Joe Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive' prostate cancer

Former U.S. President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, according to a statement released by his office on Sunday.

The diagnosis was made on Friday after Biden sought medical attention last week due to persistent urinary symptoms. Doctors have identified the cancer as an aggressive form, with a Gleason score of 9 out of 10—indicating a high-grade cancer with a strong likelihood of spreading, as noted by Cancer Research UK.

Biden and his family are currently considering treatment options. His office mentioned that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, offering hope that it can be effectively managed with appropriate therapies.

"Last week, President Joe Biden was evaluated for a newly discovered prostate nodule after experiencing worsening urinary symptoms," the statement read. "On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, defined by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with evidence of bone metastasis. Although it is a more aggressive form of the disease, its hormone sensitivity allows for viable treatment options."

Following the announcement, political leaders from across the spectrum expressed their support.

Former President Donald Trump shared on Truth Social that both he and former First Lady Melania Trump were "saddened" by the news and extended heartfelt wishes to Biden and his family. "We wish Joe a fast and successful recovery," Trump said.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris expressed her sympathy on X, stating that she and her husband Doug Emhoff are keeping the Bidens in their thoughts. “Joe is a fighter – and I know he’ll meet this challenge with the same determination, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his leadership and character,” she wrote.

Barack Obama, who served as president with Biden as his vice president from 2009 to 2017, also offered his support on X, saying he and his wife Michelle are thinking of the Biden family. "No one has done more to push for groundbreaking cancer research than Joe," Obama said. "I’m confident he’ll face this fight with his usual strength and grace. We’re praying for a swift and complete recovery."

In 2016, during Obama’s presidency, Biden was appointed to lead a national “cancer moonshot” initiative aimed at accelerating cancer research.

The announcement comes nearly a year after former President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 U.S. presidential race due to growing concerns over his age and health. At 82, Biden remains the oldest individual to have served as U.S. president.

At the time of his withdrawal, Biden had been the Democratic nominee seeking re-election but came under intense scrutiny following a poor showing in a June debate against Republican candidate and current President Donald Trump. The Democratic Party eventually named Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement on the ticket.

Prostate cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in the U.S., following skin cancer, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that roughly 13 in 100 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, with age being the most significant risk factor.

Dr. William Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer at the American Cancer Society and a prostate cancer specialist, told the BBC that based on available information, Biden appears to have a more aggressive form of the disease.

"Generally, when cancer spreads to the bones, it is no longer considered curable," Dr. Dahut explained. However, he added that many patients respond well to early treatment and can live for years with the condition.

He said Biden will likely be prescribed hormone therapy, a common approach aimed at easing symptoms and slowing the progression of cancer cells.

Since leaving office, Biden has maintained a low public profile, rarely appearing in public. In April, he gave a keynote address at a Chicago event hosted by Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled, an organization supporting people with disabilities.

In May, Biden gave his first interview since stepping down, speaking to the BBC. He admitted the decision to withdraw from the 2024 race was "difficult."

Speculation around his health has persisted in recent months. During a May appearance on The View, Biden dismissed claims that he had experienced cognitive decline in his final year in office, stating, "There is nothing to support that."

Cancer research has long been a personal and political priority for Biden. In 2022, he and First Lady Jill Biden revived the “cancer moonshot” initiative, aiming to prevent over four million cancer deaths by 2047.

The issue is especially close to Biden’s heart—his eldest son, Beau Biden, died from brain cancer in 2015.