Health Reporter
Former U.S. President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, his office announced Sunday.
The diagnosis follows a medical evaluation last week for urinary symptoms, culminating in a Friday confirmation of the disease characterized by a high Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating a rapidly spreading, “high-grade” cancer.
In a statement, Biden’s office noted the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which “allows for effective management” through treatment.
“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,” the statement read.
Biden and his family are currently reviewing treatment options.
Medical Context and Prognosis
The Gleason score, a grading system assessing prostate cancer aggressiveness, places Biden’s diagnosis at the higher end of the scale.
Cancer Research UK explains that such a score signals cancer cells are likely to spread quickly. Dr. William Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer at the American Cancer Society, emphasized the seriousness of bone metastasis, stating,
“In general, if cancer has spread to the bones, we don’t think it is considered a curable cancer.”
However, he added that patients often respond well to initial therapies, including hormone treatments, and “can live many years with the diagnosis.”
Political Figures Extend Support
Messages of support poured in from across the political spectrum. Former President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social,
“We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family… We wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who succeeded Biden as the 2024 Democratic nominee after he withdrew amid health concerns, praised his resilience:
“Joe is a fighter—and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life.”
Barack Obama, under whom Biden served as vice president, highlighted his former colleague’s advocacy for cancer research:
“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer… We pray for a fast and full recovery.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed sympathy, wishing Biden “swift and successful treatment.”
Health and Public Life
Biden, the oldest U.S. president in history, faced scrutiny over his health during his final year in office, culminating in his withdrawal from the 2024 race following a criticized debate performance.
In a May BBC interview, he called the decision “difficult” but denied experiencing cognitive decline, asserting,
“There is nothing to sustain that.”
Since leaving office, Biden has maintained a low public profile, focusing on advocacy, including a 2022 relaunch of the “cancer moonshot” initiative aimed at curbing cancer deaths.
Prostate Cancer Prevalence
Prostate cancer remains the second most common cancer among U.S. men, with the CDC estimating 13 in 100 men developing it in their lifetime. Age is a primary risk factor, with most cases occurring in men over 65.
Personal and Advocacy Legacy
Biden’s dedication to cancer research is deeply personal, rooted in the loss of his son Beau to brain cancer in 2015.
The “cancer moonshot,” initially spearheaded under Obama, seeks to accelerate research and reduce mortality, reflecting Biden’s enduring commitment to the cause.
As Biden navigates this diagnosis, his journey underscores both the challenges of advanced cancer and advancements in managing the disease.
His office has not yet disclosed a treatment timeline, but emphasized optimism in his path forward.
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