Is “Stage 5” Cancer a Real Thing?
Simply put: no. According to Cancer Research UK and the National Cancer Institute, cancers are staged from Stage 1 to Stage 4. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Stage 1: Small tumor, localized, not spread.
- Stage 2: Tumor is larger but still localized; may involve nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage 3: Cancer has spread to nearby tissue and more lymph nodes.
- Stage 4: Cancer has metastasized to distant organs (also called metastatic cancer).
There is no Stage 5 in any recognized cancer staging system. Donald Trump Jr.’s remark was misleading and medically incorrect.
What Is the Gleason Score?
The Gleason Score (also referred to as the Grade Group) is a grading system used by doctors to evaluate the aggressiveness of prostate cancer. It assesses how abnormal the cancer cells look compared to healthy prostate tissue.
Gleason Score Breakdown:
- Gleason 6 (Grade Group 1): Cancer cells look similar to normal ones; very slow-growing.
- Gleason 7 (Grade Groups 2-3): Cells are more irregular; moderate growth rate.
- Gleason 8 (Grade Group 4): Cancer appears more aggressive and may grow quickly.
- Gleason 9-10 (Grade Group 5): Cancer cells look very abnormal and are highly likely to grow and spread rapidly.
Joe Biden’s cancer is classified as Grade Group 5, meaning it’s among the most aggressive types of prostate cancer. However, doctors have confirmed that it is hormone-sensitive, which allows for targeted and potentially effective treatment.
Trump Jr.’s Misleading Claim
Donald Trump Jr. tweeted: “What I want to know is how did Dr. Jill Biden miss stage five metastatic cancer or is this yet another coverup???”
Jill Biden holds a doctorate in education, not medicine – and again, there is no such thing as “stage five” cancer. This statement has been criticized as uninformed and politically opportunistic.
Joe Biden’s diagnosis is serious, but it must be understood in its correct medical context. Grade Group 5 prostate cancer is a high-risk condition, but with appropriate treatment and medical oversight, many patients still live years with the disease. Misusing terms like “stage five” contributes to confusion, fear, and misinformation — especially when amplified on social media.
