Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, which has metastasised to his bones, his office announced Sunday. The 82-year-old was reportedly experiencing urinary symptoms, prompting further medical evaluation that revealed a nodule on his prostate. Subsequent tests confirmed the presence of advanced prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9, the highest risk category, indicating a severe and fast-growing type of cancer.

“This news is a reminder about the tragic impact of prostate cancer in the U.S.,” the American Cancer Society said in a statement. “Early detection is key, and we are concerned given the 5% year-over-year increase in diagnosis of men with more advanced disease. We can and must do more to prevent late-stage diagnosis and death from prostate cancer.”

While the diagnosis is serious, Biden’s medical team noted the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which makes it more manageable through specific treatments. Biden is currently reviewing treatment options with his physicians. Surgery is not expected to be a viable option, as the cancer has already spread beyond the prostate. Common treatment methods for such advanced cases include hormone therapy (androgen deprivation therapy), which lowers male hormone levels to slow cancer growth. Monitoring of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels will also play a critical role in assessing the effectiveness of treatment.

Biden Shares a Heartfelt Message

In a heartfelt message on X, Biden said: “Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support,” accompanied by a photo of him and his wife, Jill Biden.

The Gleason grading system, which helps determine how likely the cancer is to spread, gave Biden’s cancer a score of 9 out of 10. According to the National Library of Medicine, this score means the cancer cells look very different from normal prostate cells and are likely to grow quickly. This type of cancer is also medically referred to as “poorly differentiated” or “undifferentiated.”

According to the National Institutes of Health, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men and the second leading cause of cancer death. It’s estimated that 313,780 new cases will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year, with around 35,770 deaths expected. Although prostate cancer generally grows slowly, more aggressive forms like Biden’s require immediate and intensive treatment.

Biden Receives Recovery Wishes

Reactions poured in from across the political spectrum and around the world following the announcement. Former President Barack Obama said on X: “Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family. Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.”

Donald Trump and Melania Trump also shared their support, with Trump writing: “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”

Vice President Kamala Harris, who succeeded Biden as the Democratic nominee in the last election, posted: “Joe is a fighter. I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also expressed her concern, saying: “I’m thinking of the Bidens as they take on cancer, a disease they’ve done so much to try to spare other families from. Wishing you a speedy, full recovery.”

PM Modi Takes the News to X

From abroad, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared on X: “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.”

Biden, who was previously treated for skin cancer and had non-melanoma lesions removed prior to his presidency, has long been active in cancer advocacy. After his son Beau Biden died of brain cancer in 2015, he launched the Cancer Moonshot Initiative, aimed at reducing cancer deaths and accelerating medical research.

Though the former president withdrew from the 2024 race following a widely criticized debate performance, he has continued to be a prominent voice in public health and policy. His previous comments from a 2022 speech about having cancer resurfaced recently, causing confusion. The White House had clarified then that Biden was referring to past cases of skin cancer, not the prostate cancer now diagnosed.

The NIH notes that prostate cancer has a five-year relative survival rate of approximately 98%, though this figure drops significantly in advanced, high-grade cases. The median age at diagnosis is 68, while the median age of death is 79.

Dr. Alan Tan, a leading expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, remarked: “Gleason 9 is, by definition, aggressive, but you don’t know how bad it is unless you know what the PET scan looks like.”

Biden is currently resting at his residence in Wilmington, Delaware, surrounded by family and continuing consultations with his medical team.