Biden camp pushes back against suspicion over cancer diagnosis timing

What they're saying: A spokesperson for Biden told Axios in an emailed statement Tuesday evening that the former president's last known prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test was in 2014.

• "Prior to Friday, President Biden had never been diagnosed with prostate cancer," the spokesperson said.

State of play: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation on screening for prostate cancer holds that it's an individual choice for men age 55-69 and that it offers a small potential benefit of reducing the chances of death.

• They worry about potential harms of screening, including additional testing, prostate biopsy, over-treatment and complications.
• For those 70 and older, like Biden, they advise against it, saying with moderate certainty that potential benefits don't outweigh expected harms.

Between the lines: Biden was 70 or 71 years old when he had his last PSA, before he had symptoms that led to last Friday's exam. That's within standard guidelines and is not unusual.

• It is noteworthy, however, that he apparently was not tested for it even while he was president.

Context: Biden's personal office announced his diagnosis on Sunday.

• "On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone," they said.
• Even at that advanced stage, physicians say the condition can be managed, thought not cured.
• He was evaluated last week after doctors found a "small nodule" in his prostate during a routine physical exam.

Go deeper: Biden's cancer diagnosis draws sympathy — and suspicion