According to White House doctor, Biden’s benign but precancerous colonoscopy was successful last week.

  • President Joe Biden, 79, had a ‘benign’ polyp removed during his colonoscopy last week, according to his physician Kevin O’Connor 
  • Biden was deemed fit and healthy by the doctor. 
  • Biden also had his throat cleared by the doctor. He attributed it to Biden’s greater attention to public events and did not find any tumors. 










According to the White House, President Joe Biden was able to have a benign (or benign) polyp taken out during his routine colonoscopy on Wednesday.

The polyp, identified as a ‘tubular adenoma,’ was a ‘slow-growing, but thought to be pre-cancerous lesion,’ White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor said in a letter released Wednesday, adding that no more action is required at this time. 

Biden, now 79 years old, was found to be ‘healthy, vigorous, and ready for duty following a routine medical exam. 

O’Connor stated that President Biden is a strong, healthy male of 78 years old, and was able to perform the duties of Presidency to include Head of State, Chief Executive Officer, Commander in Chief. This briefing was dated November 19, one day before Biden’s birthday, when he reached 79.  

President Joe Biden was 79 when he had a three millimeter benign polyp removed in his routine colonoscopy. 

He also indicated the president had a similar polyp removed in 2008 and that it was 'tubular adenoma'

The president was also reported to have had a similar gel-filled polyp in 2008, and that it was a ‘tubular anomaly’ 

Kevin O’Connor was the President’s personal physician for 13 years. (pictured) After his routine physical, Kevin declared himself ‘vigorous’ and ‘healthy’.

The pair pictured together in 2017

In 2017, the pair was pictured together 

The polyp was similar to one the president had removed in 2008, O’Connor said in the letter, which is dated Tuesday.

O’Connor’s report stated, “The President has not had colon cancer.”  

Biden, in addition to routine surveillance, should be scheduled for a colonoscopy once every 7-10 years. 

Biden’s ‘throat clearing was also looked at – something many have noted since he took office. O’Conner mentioned that Biden may feel the need for clearing his throat more frequently now that his attention has been directed to his public engagements. 

A series of tests were also performed by the physician to determine if the president had ‘throat clearing.’ He also found no tumors or polyps and that his vocal chord appearance and function was normal. 

O’Connor also examined Biden’s’stiffen gait.’ 

He also admitted feeling’stiff’ during the morning. He also said that stiffen was due to a number of ‘orthopedic or sports-related injuries over time’ as well as a fractured right foot from one year ago. 

The main reason for his stiffness was due to the aging process, which was confirmed by a number of tests. 

Recent photos of the president looking lost and falling down the stairs at Air Force One have led to increased concern from the public. 

The president tripped up the stairs of the plane at Joint Base Andrews in early November, which the White House later alluded to the heavy wind at the time.

Biden boarded Air Force One two weeks later as he strenuously walked up the Pittsburgh steps. 

The day before, he had called Vice President Kamala Harris (who was historically the first female president for approximately 85 minutes during Biden’s colonoscopy) ‘President Harris.  

Avertable cancer affects almost 20% of American adults 

What’s colon cancer? 

Colon cancer is also known by the bowel. It usually starts in your large intestine/bowel.

About one in 20 Americans have been diagnosed with some form of disease.  

This disease usually affects people over 50 years old and starts with benign polyps. Polyps can develop cancer in time. 

Benign polyps are responsible for roughly 20-30% of all colon cancer cases. 

Colorectal cancer is more common in those with family histories, particularly siblings.  

For some people, polyps may cause no symptoms. Regular screening is recommended. 

Colon cancer can be treated several ways, including through surgery, radiation therapy and drug treatments, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.  

Early detection of the disease through colonoscopies is key to avoiding it. 

Colon cancer screenings can be started at 45, according to the average patient. It is recommended that patients with a family history are tested early.  

Symptoms:  

  • Modifications in stool habits can include constipation, diarrhea and feeling like you are not emptying enough.
  • Loss of bowel movement or thinness
  • Stools contaminated with blood or mucous
  • Bloating, abdominal pain and cramping
  • Rectal or anal pain
  • Lump in your anus or the rectum
  • Unexplained Weight Loss
  • Fatigue
  • Anemia that is not explained

Source: Cancer Council Australia, Mayo Clinic ASCRS 

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