Former U.S. President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to a statement released by his office on Sunday. The diagnosis came after Biden experienced urinary symptoms and underwent medical tests last week.
Doctors confirmed the cancer is an aggressive type, with a Gleason score of 9 out of 10. This classification means the cancer is high-grade and may spread rapidly. However, the statement noted that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which means it can be managed with available treatments.
“Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms,” the statement read. “On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone. While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management.”
Following the announcement, political figures from both parties expressed their support. Former President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that he and former First Lady Melania Trump were saddened to hear the news and wished Biden a fast recovery.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who served under Biden, also shared her message on social media, saying she and her husband are keeping the Biden family in their prayers. She described Biden as a fighter who has always shown strength and resilience.
Former President Barack Obama, who served alongside Biden from 2009 to 2017, also expressed his support. He highlighted Biden’s past efforts in advancing cancer research and shared his confidence that Biden would face the challenge with determination.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer added his voice to the messages of support, saying he wished Biden a swift and successful treatment.
Biden’s diagnosis comes nearly a year after he stepped back from the 2024 presidential race amid ongoing concerns about his health and age. He had withdrawn from the race following criticism of his performance during a televised debate against current President Donald Trump. Kamala Harris later replaced him as the Democratic candidate.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 13 out of every 100 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime. Age remains one of the primary risk factors.
Dr. William Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer at the American Cancer Society, said the information released so far suggests the cancer is aggressive. While such cases are typically not considered curable once they spread to the bones, many patients respond well to treatment and live for many years.
Hormonal therapy is expected to be one of the treatment options considered for Biden, aimed at slowing the progression and easing symptoms.
Since leaving office, Biden has kept a relatively low public profile. In April, he delivered a keynote speech at a Chicago conference organized by a U.S.-based advocacy group for people with disabilities. The following month, he gave an interview to the BBC in which he described his decision to step aside from the 2024 race as “difficult.”
In recent years, Biden has been a strong advocate for cancer research. In 2022, he and First Lady Jill Biden relaunched the “Cancer Moonshot” initiative with a goal to significantly reduce cancer deaths by 2047. Biden has also spoken publicly about losing his son, Beau Biden, to brain cancer in 2015.
