Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive form’ of prostate cancer

Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, his personal office announced Sunday.

“Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms,” the statement read. “On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.”

The statement noted that while the cancer is aggressive, it appears hormone-sensitive. That factor offers some hope for treatment success.

Biden, 82, is currently at home in Wilmington, Delaware. He and his family are considering treatment options, the statement added.

Earlier this month, a spokesperson for Biden confirmed that a “small nodule” had been detected during a recent evaluation.

“Prostate cancer is very common,” said Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urologist and robotic surgeon with Orlando Health. “As men age, small cancer cells are often found in the prostate.” Dr. Brahmbhatt is not involved in Biden’s care.

A Gleason score of 9 represents one of the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer. “This is very serious and not curable,” said Dr. Benjamin Davies, a professor of urologic oncology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. “But there is some good news. New hormonal and chemotherapy therapies have shown promising results and are helping patients live longer.”

The public announcement comes amid renewed concerns over Biden’s health. During his 2024 presidential run, critics pointed to moments of physical and cognitive decline, particularly after a poor debate performance against Donald Trump.

A physical in February 2024 conducted by his physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, found “no new concerns” and concluded Biden was “fit for duty.”

Yet a recent book by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’ Alex Thompson suggests Biden’s aides noticed signs of decline earlier. The authors claim Biden sometimes appeared confused and required extra support behind closed doors.

Biden recently pushed back on these claims. Appearing on ABC’s “The View” earlier this month with first lady Jill Biden, he denied reports of cognitive issues.

“They are wrong,” he said. Jill Biden added, “Joe worked hard every day. He never stopped.”

The diagnosis has prompted responses from political allies and rivals alike. Former President Donald Trump, who often criticized Biden’s age and mental fitness, posted a message of support on Truth Social.

“Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We wish him a fast and successful recovery,” Trump wrote.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who stepped in after Biden exited the 2024 race, also extended her wishes. “Joe is a fighter,” Harris wrote on X. “We’re keeping the Biden family in our hearts and prayers.”

Despite the seriousness of Biden’s diagnosis, experts remain cautiously optimistic.

“Even patients with high-risk prostate cancer can maintain a good quality of life,” said Brahmbhatt. “Treatment options like hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation are all available. But some of them can impact memory and mood, so doctors must be careful.”

Cancer is a deeply personal issue for Biden. His son, Beau Biden, died of brain cancer in 2015 at the age of 46. In 2016, President Barack Obama appointed Biden to lead the White House’s “Cancer Moonshot” task force. In 2022, Biden relaunched the initiative with a goal to reduce the cancer death rate by at least 50% over 25 years.

“I know we can do this,” Biden said last August. “It’s not just personal — it’s about what’s possible.”

Leaders across the political spectrum acknowledged Biden’s role in that fight. “Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer,” former President Obama posted on X. “We pray for a fast and full recovery.”

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton echoed the sentiment. “Thinking of the Bidens as they take on cancer, a disease they’ve done so much to try to spare others from,” she wrote.

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