Former President Joe Biden’s office confirmed on Sunday that he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The diagnosis followed a routine physical exam, and doctors discovered that he had a small nodule on his prostate, which prompted more tests and evaluation. According to the official statement, Biden’s cancer carries a Gleason score of 9, which falls in Grade Group 5, the highest-risk category for prostate cancer.
A score of 9 reflects abnormality of the cancer cells under a microscope and how likely they are to grow and spread. A score of 9 is an indicator that the cancer is highly aggressive and fast-growing. The worst news is that the cancer has metastasized to Biden’s bones. Biden’s team, however, clarified that the disease is hormone-sensitive and therefore treatable through options like androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). This treatment limits the production of androgens, which are male hormones that fuel the growth of prostate cancer.
According to experts such as Dr. Matthew Smith of Massachusetts General Brigham Cancer Center, although metastatic prostate cancer is not curable, it is often highly treatable because of its hormone-sensitive nature. Therefore, patients can live four or five years or longer after diagnosis.
The somber news of Biden’s diagnosis sparked national attention, and many notable figures sent messages of support. President Donald Trump posted a message on Truth Social saying that he and First Lady Melania Trump were deeply saddened by Biden’s news and wished him a fast and successful recovery.
Former President Obama also posted on X: “Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe,” Obama wrote. “We pray for a fast and full recovery.”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris said that she and her husband Doug Emhoff would keep Biden and his family in their prayers. She also added that Joe is a fighter, echoing the many who described Joe Biden as a resilient and determined human.
Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, who served under Biden, described Biden as a man of deep faith and extraordinary resilience and added that he and his husband, Chasten, were praying for Biden and his family.
Over the years, Biden has faced several health issues, including skin cancer and the removal of cancerous lesions. Last year, Biden was forced to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race amid speculation about his age and cognitive health, and passed the torch to Kamala Harris to vie under the Democratic ticket.
Recently, Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, refuted claims of cognitive decline made in several recently published books. One book went further to explain how Biden’s inner circle managed to keep his mental decline from voters during his 2019 campaign when he forgot the name of one of his aides, Mike Donilon, who has served as his aide for decades.
Joe Biden remains an influential figure in American politics, especially in the areas of cancer research and healthcare, despite being 82 years old. During his era, he strongly advocated for expanded funding for cancer treatment and scientific innovation. His commitment to these causes began with the tragic loss of his son Beau Biden to brain cancer in 2015.
Currently, Biden and his family are reportedly reviewing treatment options with his team. The announcement of his health is a pivotal moment for public conversations around men’s health and cancer awareness.
Support messages are still pouring in as the nation processes the news of Joe Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis. Americans and people all over the world are waiting to see how the former president will approach his treatment, wishing him that he recovers fast and successfully.