Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, according to a statement released by his office on Sunday.
The diagnosis followed a medical evaluation last Friday after Biden, 82, reported urinary symptoms. Doctors identified a small nodule on his prostate, which was later confirmed to be cancerous.
“This represents a more aggressive form of the disease,” the statement said. “However, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective treatment options.” Biden and his family are currently reviewing available therapies.
Medical experts classified the illness with a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating a high-grade cancer with a strong likelihood of spreading. Dr. William Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer of the American Cancer Society, noted that prostate cancer that has spread to the bones is generally considered incurable, but many patients respond well to initial hormone-based treatments and can live for many years after diagnosis.
The announcement comes months after Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race, citing health and age concerns. His departure followed a widely criticized debate performance in June against Republican nominee and current President Donald Trump. He was succeeded on the Democratic ticket by Vice President Kamala Harris.
Following the news of his diagnosis, well-wishes poured in from across the political spectrum.
Former President Trump expressed sympathy on his social media platform, Truth Social, writing that he and former First Lady Melania Trump were “saddened” by the news and wished Biden a “fast and successful recovery.”
Vice President Harris, in a message posted to X (formerly Twitter), said she and her husband, Doug Emhoff, were keeping the Biden family in their prayers. “Joe is a fighter,” she wrote, “and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership.”
Former President Barack Obama, who served alongside Biden for eight years, also shared a tribute on X, noting Biden’s commitment to cancer research. “Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe,” he said. “We pray for a fast and full recovery.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer added his voice to the chorus of support, saying, “I am very sorry to hear President Biden has prostate cancer. Wishing him, Jill, and the family all the very best for a swift and successful treatment.”
Since leaving the White House in January, Biden has largely stepped away from public life, making only a few appearances. In a May interview with the BBC, he described his decision to exit the presidential race as “difficult.” He also pushed back on suggestions of cognitive decline in a separate appearance on The View, saying, “There is nothing to sustain that.”
Biden has long championed cancer research, a mission driven by personal loss. In 2015, his eldest son, Beau Biden, died of brain cancer. In 2022, Biden and the First Lady relaunched the “Cancer Moonshot” initiative, aiming to cut cancer deaths significantly by 2047.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, according to the CDC, with age being the leading risk factor. Roughly 13 in 100 men will develop the disease during their lifetime.
While Biden’s diagnosis is serious, medical experts stress that early and effective intervention can help manage symptoms and prolong life.
