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Biden Has Cancerous Lesion Removed From Chest; Will Need Regular Screenings

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OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.


President Joe Biden’s doctor announced on Friday that a skin lesion removed from his chest last month was identified as a basal cell carcinoma, which is a prevalent type of skin cancer. The doctor also stated that no additional treatment was necessary, according to reports.

During  Biden’s routine physical on February 16th, his longtime physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor confirmed that all cancerous tissue had been successfully removed. Despite being 80 years old, Biden was declared “healthy, vigorous,” and “fit” to perform his duties as president by O’Connor during the examination, the Associated Press reported.

All said, however, this is a significant development as Biden is expected to run for re-election in 2024.

O’Connor also reported that the area where the skin lesion was removed from Biden’s chest has healed well, and the president will continue to undergo regular skin screenings as part of his standard health care plan, the AP noted.

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Basal cell skin cancer is a type of skin cancer that arises from the basal cells, which are located in the deeper layers of the epidermis. It is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80 percent of all cases. Basal cell skin cancer usually develops on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, scalp, ears, neck, shoulders, and back.

The main cause of basal cell skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. People with fair skin, light-colored eyes, and a history of sunburns or excessive sun exposure are at a higher risk of developing basal cell skin cancer. Other risk factors include a family history of skin cancer, exposure to chemicals such as arsenic, and a weakened immune system.

Symptoms of basal cell skin cancer include a small, pearly bump on the skin, a red, scaly patch that may bleed or crust, a sore that does not heal, or a shiny, pink or red bump that may be raised or flat. Basal cell skin cancer usually grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but it can invade nearby tissues and cause damage if left untreated.

Treatment for basal cell skin cancer depends on the size, location, and type of the tumor, as well as the patient’s age and overall health. The most common treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and topical medications such as creams and gels. In most cases, basal cell skin cancer can be cured if detected and treated early.

O’Connor’s summary of Biden’s health last month stated that several non-melanoma skin cancers had been removed from the president’s body before he took office. He attributed the cancers to Biden’s extensive sun exposure during his younger years, which had been well-documented.

In January, first lady Jill Biden had two basal cell lesions removed from her right eye and chest. In a recent interview with the Associated Press, she mentioned being extra cautious about wearing sunscreen, particularly during beach visits.

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The couple have long been advocates for cancer cures, especially after their son, Beau, died of brain cancer in 2015.

Joe Biden has hinted at a reelection bid but has yet to declare his candidacy formally. Late last month, he got a primary challenger — former Democratic presidential contender Marianne Williamson, who failed to capture the nomination in 2020.

“I wouldn’t be running for president if I didn’t believe I could contribute to harnessing the collective sensibility that I feel is our greatest hope at this time,” she told Medill on the Hill.

“People who run the government are divided into two categories, those who either don’t care to fix it, or do not have the spine to fix it. And neither category should be running this country,” she added.

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The outlet noted:

Williamson described the country as in the midst of a threat of authoritarianism, where corporate oligarchs, fossil fuel companies, gun manufacturers, and the military industrial complex “suck the juice” out of democracy. She said lawmakers are not doing enough to curtail corporate power. 

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