Nationwide — Former President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has already metastasized to his bones, according to a statement released by his personal office. The announcement, made Sunday, marks a serious health development for the former commander-in-chief, whose cancer has been classified with a Gleason score of 9—indicating the most severe category of prostate cancer. Despite the grave nature of the illness, his doctors say it is hormone-sensitive, which allows for treatment options that could manage the disease effectively.
According to CNN, the diagnosis followed recent reports that Biden had undergone evaluations after experiencing increased urinary symptoms. His medical team detected a prostate nodule, which led to a biopsy and the eventual confirmation of cancer. Biden is now at home in Wilmington, Delaware, with his family as they consider potential treatments, including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or radiation. Specialists stress that the choice of therapy must be weighed carefully, as some options may impact cognitive function, mood, and quality of life.
Experts not involved in Biden’s care have weighed in on the diagnosis. Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt of Orlando Health notes that prostate cancer is common in older men and often manageable if detected early. However, Dr. Benjamin Davies from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center emphasized that a Gleason score of 9 signifies a particularly dangerous form of the disease. While the cancer is not curable in its current stage, new therapies have significantly improved outcomes for many patients.
The news adds to ongoing discussions about Biden’s health and age, which were recurring themes during his presidency and the 2024 campaign. Earlier in 2024, he underwent a physical exam at Walter Reed Medical Center that found him “fit for duty” with no major concerns. However, revelations from a recent book by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’ Alex Thompson allege that signs of cognitive decline were visible well before Biden’s exit from the 2024 race. The authors claim aides had even discussed the possibility of him needing a wheelchair if he had served a second term.
Despite stepping away from the political spotlight, Biden has made limited public appearances, including a recent interview on ABC’s The View alongside his wife, Jill Biden. In that appearance, he refuted claims that his cognitive abilities had diminished during his final year in office. Jill Biden also defended her husband’s work ethic, saying critics lacked insight into the demands he faced and how he rose to meet them daily.
Cancer is a deeply personal issue for the former president, whose son Beau Biden died of brain cancer in 2015. In Beau’s memory, Biden launched the “Cancer Moonshot” initiative to accelerate cancer research and support families affected by the disease. Reacting to the news of Biden’s diagnosis, former President Donald Trump broke from recent political attacks to offer well wishes, posting on Truth Social, “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis… We wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
