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Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, a development confirmed by his office on Sunday. The diagnosis, which includes metastasis to the bone, follows a medical consultation prompted by worsening urinary symptoms. A biopsy revealed a Gleason score of 9 out of 10—indicating a high-grade malignancy.
The announcement comes just months after Biden, 82, withdrew from the 2024 presidential race, citing health concerns. A routine examination last week led to the discovery of a prostate nodule. "This represents a more aggressive form of the disease," his team stated, "but the cancer appears hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management."
Experts say the situation is serious. "In general, if cancer has spread to the bones, we don't think it is curable," said Dr. William Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer at the American Cancer Society. However, he noted that many patients respond well to treatment. "People can live many years with this diagnosis," he added.
Biden and his family are currently weighing treatment options. Hormonal therapy is expected to be the primary strategy to slow disease progression and alleviate symptoms.
Political leaders responded swiftly to the news. President Donald Trump offered support via Truth Social: "We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family. We wish Joe a fast and successful recovery." Former Vice-President Kamala Harris echoed this sentiment, writing on X, "Joe is a fighter... he will face this challenge with the same strength and resilience that have always defined his life." Barack Obama emphasized Biden's personal stake in cancer research, noting, "Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments... I am certain he will fight this with his trademark resolve."
Cancer has long shaped Biden's public service. In 2016, he was appointed to lead the "Cancer Moonshot" under Obama. That program was relaunched in 2022 with a goal to halve cancer deaths by 2047. "It's about working together and sharing data," Biden said during the announcement.
This isn't Biden's first health battle. As a senator, he survived two brain aneurysms. During his presidency, a cancerous skin lesion was removed. Yet, this latest diagnosis represents his most daunting challenge yet.
As the oldest living U.S. president, Biden now confronts cancer not only as a patient but as a symbol of a cause he's long championed—placing a personal face on a national health crisis.
