Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, his office announced in a statement. The diagnosis was made following medical evaluations after Biden began experiencing urinary symptoms, which led to the discovery of a prostate nodule.
According to the statement, while the cancer is considered aggressive, it is hormone-sensitive – a characteristic that allows for more effective management through available treatments. The 82-year-old Democratic leader and his family are currently consulting with medical professionals to determine the best course of action.
The cancer has been assigned a Gleason score of 9, which corresponds to Grade Group 5 – the highest level of abnormality in prostate cancer cells, indicating a serious and advanced form of the disease. The American Cancer Society notes that such a score reflects a cancer that appears very abnormal under the microscope and tends to grow and spread quickly.
Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer among men in the United States, with approximately one in eight men diagnosed during their lifetime. While highly treatable when caught early, it is also the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in American men.
Biden’s son, Beau Biden, died from brain cancer in 2015 – a loss that has had a profound impact on the Biden family.
In response to the announcement, former President Donald Trump, Biden’s longtime political rival, expressed sympathy. Posting on Truth Social, Trump stated: “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
PM Narendra Modi also conveyed his well-wishes via social media platform X, saying: “Deeply concerned to hear about @JoeBiden’s health. Extend our best wishes to him for a quick and full recovery. Our thoughts are with Dr. Jill Biden and the family.”
