US President Joe Biden’s apparent claim on Wednesday that he has cancer has been clarified by the White House. According to the White House, President Biden was referring to a skin cancer diagnosis he received before becoming president which has been remedied.
What was Biden referring to?
Speaking on climate change in Massachusetts, Biden recalled growing up next to a series of oil refineries in his home state of Delaware. He explained how they were responsible for pervasive pollution in the area.
“That’s why I and so damn many other people I grew up with have cancer, and why, for the longest time. Delaware had the highest cancer rate in the nation.” Biden said as he emphasized the need to shift away from fossil fuels.
Social media users were quick to respond to his statement. They expressed confusion as to whether he actually had cancer or if it was ‘another’ accidental blunder.
“Sooo… does Joe Biden actually have cancer or did he have another elderly adventure in poorly reading a speech today?” Washington Times Columnist Tim Young tweeted.
White House spokesman Andrew Bates said the president was referring to non-melanoma skin cancers. All of them were removed before he assumed office.
A summary of the president’s health released in November said Biden had “several localized, non-melanoma skin cancers removed” prior to his presidency,
“These lesions were completely excised, with clear margins. Total body skin exam of Biden was performed for dermatologic surveillance,” it wrote.
“Several small areas of actinic change were treated with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, but there are no areas suspicious for skin cancer at this time.”
“This is what the President was referring to,” Bates said on Twitter.