Former President Joe Biden diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer
Former President Joe Biden Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, Office Confirms
Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, his personal office announced on Sunday.
“President Joe Biden underwent evaluation last week after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms, which led to the discovery of a prostate nodule,” the statement read. “On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, showing a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with evidence of metastasis to the bone.”
The term metastasis indicates that the cancer has spread beyond the prostate to other parts of the body. While this type of cancer is considered aggressive, Biden’s case appears to be hormone-sensitive — meaning it may respond well to treatment. His family is currently consulting with physicians to determine the best course of care.
Biden is currently at his residence in Wilmington, Delaware, according to a source familiar with the situation. It’s not yet clear where he will receive treatment. Options being considered include hormone therapy.
A Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) reflects a highly aggressive cancer with a strong likelihood of spreading. However, Dr. Alan Tan, a prostate cancer expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center not involved in Biden’s care, noted that this diagnosis is not uncommon. “This is the most typical type of case I treat,” he said. “It’s standard in genitourinary oncology.”
Experts say that most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it. Dr. Chris George, a specialist at Northwestern Medicine, said hormone-sensitive prostate cancer can often be managed effectively for years. “With proper treatment, patients can live a long time even with advanced disease,” he noted. George is not involved in Biden’s case.
The news prompted bipartisan support and well-wishes from political figures. Former President Donald Trump and his wife Melania expressed sympathy on Truth Social, wishing Biden a “fast and successful recovery.” Former Vice President Kamala Harris also shared her support, calling Biden “a fighter” and expressing optimism for his recovery.
Former President Barack Obama praised Biden’s long-standing commitment to cancer research and said he was praying for his recovery. “Nobody has done more to support breakthrough treatments for cancer than Joe,” Obama said.
Prostate cancer affects approximately 1 in 8 men during their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. It is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among American men, after lung cancer. A small nodule was discovered during a recent routine physical exam, prompting further evaluation that led to the diagnosis.
At 82, Biden holds the record as the oldest person to serve as U.S. president. While prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests are generally not recommended for men over 70, certain circumstances — such as overall health or family history — may warrant screening. “Given his health profile and public service roles, screening made sense,” said Dr. Kavita Patel, a former Obama administration health adviser.
The diagnosis has temporarily paused intra-party debates over Biden’s decision to seek a second term and the outcome of the 2024 election. Instead, Democratic leaders have voiced support and concern.
“Joe Biden is a great American patriot,” said Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). “Paul and I are praying for his swift recovery.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) praised the Biden family’s resilience, while Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) shared his prayers and called on Biden to “keep the faith.”
Even Republican lawmakers who previously scrutinized Biden’s age and health expressed sympathy. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) urged people to pray for the former president, recalling her father’s own cancer battle. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) added, “This is certainly sad news. Our family is praying for him.”
Throughout his political career, Biden has been a strong advocate for cancer research. He reignited the Cancer Moonshot initiative during his presidency — a program first launched in 2016 after the death of his son, Beau, from brain cancer. Under his leadership, the initiative expanded screening programs and helped millions access cancer detection services. His most recent event after ending his 2024 campaign included the announcement of $150 million in new cancer research grants aimed at improving surgical outcomes.
Biden’s medical history includes a colonoscopy in 2021, which revealed and removed a small benign polyp. The same type of polyp had been removed in 2008. Following his most recent physical in February 2024, White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor described Biden as “a healthy, active, robust 81-year-old.”
