Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, according to a statement released by his personal office on Sunday. The announcement followed a medical evaluation prompted by worsening urinary symptoms, which led to the discovery of a prostate nodule. Biden, 82, was diagnosed on Friday with metastatic prostate cancer, classified with a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), the highest grade indicating severe malignancy.
Despite the seriousness of the condition, the statement emphasized that the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which improves the prospects for treatment and management. Biden and his family are currently exploring treatment options with his physicians.
On Monday, the former president addressed the diagnosis in a post on X, writing, โCancer touches us all,โ and expressing gratitude for the support he and his wife, Jill Biden, have received. He added, โWe have learned that we are strongest in the broken places,โ reflecting on their shared resilience.
This news comes shortly after reports that Biden had undergone tests for a โsmall noduleโ on his prostate. Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urologist not involved in Bidenโs care, noted that prostate cancer is common among aging men, while Dr. Benjamin Davies, a specialist in urologic oncology, explained that a Gleason score of 9 denotes the most aggressive form of the disease.
Biden is currently at his home in Wilmington, Delaware, though officials have not disclosed where he is receiving treatment.
His health had already been under public scrutiny during the 2024 election campaign. As the oldest president in U.S. history, Biden faced mounting concerns about his age and physical condition, particularly after a weak debate performance against Donald Trump, which led to his withdrawal from the race weeks later.
Earlier in 2024, Bidenโs physician, Dr. Kevin OโConnor, declared him โfit for dutyโ following a physical at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. However, reports from a book by CNNโs Jake Tapper and Axiosโs Alex Thompson described mounting signs of decline, including an incident where Biden reportedly failed to recognize actor George Clooney and internal discussions about potentially needing a wheelchair for a second term.
Since leaving the White House, Biden has kept a relatively low profile. He recently appeared with Jill Biden on ABCโs โThe View,โ dismissing claims of cognitive decline. โTheyโre mistaken,โ he said firmly. Jill Biden defended her husband, describing his tireless work ethic even during late hours.
