Former US President Joe Biden Diagnosed With Aggressive Prostate Cancer.
Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, his personal office confirmed on Sunday. The 82-year-old, who left the White House earlier this year, is now reviewing treatment options with his medical team.
In a statement, Biden’s office revealed that the diagnosis followed the discovery of a prostate nodule last week, prompted by increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, tests confirmed prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating a highly aggressive form, with metastasis to the bone. However, the statement noted that the cancer appears hormone-sensitive, which could allow for effective management through targeted therapies.
“President Biden and his family are consulting with physicians to determine the best course of treatment,” the statement read. Biden is currently at his home in Wilmington, Delaware, though it remains unclear where he will receive treatment.
Expert Insights on Biden’s Condition
Medical experts have described the diagnosis as serious but manageable with modern treatments. Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urologist at Orlando Health, explained that prostate cancer is common among older men, with most developing cancer cells over time. A Gleason score of 9, however, marks the disease as particularly aggressive.
Dr. Benjamin Davies, a urologic oncology professor at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, noted that while the spread to the bone makes the cancer incurable, recent advances in hormonal and chemotherapy treatments have significantly extended life expectancy and improved quality of life for patients. “There is some good news here,” Davies said, citing “impressive results” from newer therapies.
Dr. Brahmbhatt cautioned that treatment decisions must balance effectiveness with potential side effects, such as impacts on memory and mood, particularly given Biden’s age. “It could take a few weeks to determine the best approach,” he added.
Biden’s Health in the Spotlight
Biden’s health has been a topic of public scrutiny throughout his presidency, as he was the oldest US president in history. Concerns intensified following his faltering performance in a June 2024 debate against Donald Trump, which contributed to his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race three weeks later.
A February 2024 medical evaluation at Walter Reed National Military Center found no significant health concerns, with Biden’s physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, declaring him “fit for duty.” However, a new book by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’ Alex Thompson claims Biden showed signs of physical and cognitive decline that were downplayed by aides. The book recounts incidents such as Biden failing to recognise actor George Clooney at a June 2024 fundraiser.
Biden has rejected claims of cognitive decline. During an appearance on ABC’s The View earlier this month alongside his wife, Jill Biden, he dismissed such suggestions as baseless. “They are wrong,” Biden said. “There is nothing to sustain that.” Jill Biden added that critics “weren’t in the White House with us” to witness his tireless work ethic.
Political Reactions
President Donald Trump, who has frequently criticised Biden, including during a recent Middle East trip, set aside their rivalry to offer well wishes. In a post on Truth Social, Trump and his wife, Melania, expressed sadness at the news and wished Biden “a fast and successful recovery.”
A Personal Connection to Cancer
Cancer is a deeply personal issue for Biden, whose son Beau died of brain cancer in 2015 at age 46. As vice president, Biden launched the “Cancer Moonshot” initiative to accelerate cancer research and treatment, an effort he revived in 2022 as president. Speaking last August, Biden expressed confidence in the programme’s goal to halve US cancer deaths within 25 years, saying, “It’s not just personal — it’s about what’s possible.”
As Biden faces this health challenge, his family and medical team are focused on ensuring the best possible outcome, drawing on the latest advancements in cancer care. The former president’s resilience and commitment to public service continue to resonate with supporters worldwide.
