Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has already metastasized to his bones, according to a statement from his personal office released Sunday.
“Last week, President Joe Biden underwent evaluation after experiencing worsening urinary symptoms. A prostate nodule was identified, and on Friday, he was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer,” the statement read. Doctors classified the cancer with a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) — the highest level of aggression — and confirmed that it had spread to his skeletal system.
Despite the severity, the cancer is reported to be hormone-sensitive, allowing for a range of potentially effective treatments. The 82-year-old former president and his family are now reviewing treatment options with his medical team.
Diagnosis Follows Previous Health Concerns
The announcement follows ongoing concerns about Biden’s health, which were magnified during and after the 2024 presidential election. In February 2024, a routine physical had shown “no new concerns,” according to his physician at the time, Dr. Kevin O’Connor. However, a new book by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’ Alex Thompson revealed signs of cognitive and physical decline that aides allegedly dismissed during Biden’s final months in office.
Among the claims, Biden reportedly did not recognize actor George Clooney during a June 2024 fundraiser and aides privately discussed whether he would need a wheelchair during a second term.
Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race just weeks after a widely criticized debate performance, citing personal and health reasons. Since then, he has maintained a lower public profile, though he appeared earlier this month on ABC’s The View with his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, where he dismissed speculation about cognitive decline.
“They are wrong,” Biden said firmly. Jill Biden added, “He worked harder than anyone realized — always reading briefings, staying on the phone with staff late into the night.”
Political Reactions and Well-Wishes
Despite past political rivalries, many prominent figures extended support and sympathy following the diagnosis.
Former President Donald Trump broke from typical partisan rhetoric, writing on Truth Social: “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We send our best wishes to Jill and the entire Biden family, and hope for a swift and successful recovery.”
Vice President Kamala Harris, now leading the Democratic campaign, echoed the sentiment: “Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the strength and resilience that has always defined his life.”
Former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also expressed their support, emphasizing Biden’s long-standing commitment to cancer research.
“Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family,” Obama posted. “Nobody has done more to advance the fight against cancer than Joe. He will face this with courage.”
Cancer Moonshot: A Lifelong Mission
Cancer has been a deeply personal issue for Biden since the 2015 death of his son Beau, who died of brain cancer at age 46. During his vice presidency, Biden spearheaded the Obama administration’s Cancer Moonshot initiative, aimed at accelerating cancer research and finding cures.
In 2022, as president, he reignited the program with an ambitious goal: to cut the U.S. cancer death rate by at least 50% over 25 years. “This is not just personal. It’s about what’s possible,” Biden said at the time, alongside a $150 million boost in research funding.
What’s Next
Experts stress that while Biden’s diagnosis is serious, there is hope. Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urologist not involved in Biden’s treatment, said that many men with high-risk prostate cancer can live meaningful lives with the right treatment strategy, which could include hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or radiation.
However, Dr. Benjamin Davies of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center noted the gravity of bone metastasis: “This is not curable, but there are new hormonal and chemo treatments that have significantly extended survival in recent years.”
Biden is currently at his home in Wilmington, Delaware, and his medical team is expected to finalize a treatment plan in the coming weeks.