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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a statement, Biden\u2019s office noted the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which \u201callows for effective management\u201d through treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biden and his family are currently reviewing treatment options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Medical Context and Prognosis<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Gleason score, a grading system assessing prostate cancer aggressiveness, places Biden\u2019s diagnosis at the higher end of the scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn general, if cancer has spread to the bones, we don\u2019t think it is considered a curable cancer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, he added that patients often respond well to initial therapies, including hormone treatments, and \u201ccan live many years with the diagnosis.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Political Figures Extend Support<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Messages of support poured in from across the political spectrum. Former President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family\u2026 We wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who succeeded Biden as the 2024 Democratic nominee after he withdrew amid health concerns, praised his resilience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJoe is a fighter\u2014and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Barack Obama, under whom Biden served as vice president, highlighted his former colleague\u2019s advocacy for cancer research:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer\u2026 We pray for a fast and full recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed sympathy, wishing Biden \u201cswift and successful treatment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Health and Public Life<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a May BBC interview, he called the decision \u201cdifficult\u201d but denied experiencing cognitive decline, asserting,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere is nothing to sustain that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since leaving office, Biden has maintained a low public profile, focusing on advocacy, including a 2022 relaunch of the \u201ccancer moonshot\u201d initiative aimed at curbing cancer deaths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prostate Cancer Prevalence<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Personal and Advocacy Legacy<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biden\u2019s dedication to cancer research is deeply personal, rooted in the loss of his son Beau to brain cancer in 2015.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The \u201ccancer moonshot,\u201d initially spearheaded under Obama, seeks to accelerate research and reduce mortality, reflecting Biden\u2019s enduring commitment to the cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Biden navigates this diagnosis, his journey underscores both the challenges of advanced cancer and advancements in managing the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His office has not yet disclosed a treatment timeline, but emphasized optimism in his path forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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