Kevin C. O’Connor, DO, Physician to the President, revealed that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr had a cancerous lesion successfully removed from his chest during his February physical examination, according to an article published in The New York Times. After removing the tissue with electrodessication and curettage, and conducting a biopsy of the lesion, Dr. O’Connor identified it as basal cell carcinoma. Though the tumor type is common and should pose little risk to President Biden, he will attend follow-up appointments with his physician to monitor the site of the biopsy. Earlier in the year, Jill Biden, EdD, also had a successful operation to remove basal cell carcinoma from her chest and above her right eye after a physical examination—highlighting the importance of regular screening for skin cancer. Dr. Biden underwent Mohs surgery to have her tumors removed and reiterated that preventive measures such as wearing sunscreen are important and effective. Together, President and Dr. Biden hope to alleviate the burden of cancer and set a goal of reducing cancer mortality by 50% in the next 25 years through their Cancer Moonshot initiative.
May 25, 2023