Joe Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an advanced and aggressive form of prostate cancer, his office confirmed on Sunday. The 82-year-old had undergone medical evaluation after experiencing urinary symptoms, and subsequent tests revealed the cancer had already spread to his bones. Doctors described the condition as high-grade, assigning a Gleason score of 9 out of 10, which indicates a fast-growing cancer that is considered difficult to treat. While the diagnosis is serious, Biden’s medical team noted that the cancer remains hormone-sensitive, which opens a path for potentially effective treatment options.
The news prompted an outpouring of support from across the political spectrum. Former President Donald Trump posted a message of encouragement, wishing Biden strength and a full recovery, while Vice President Kamala Harris highlighted Biden’s resilience, saying she was confident in his ability to face the diagnosis with courage. Former President Barack Obama, who served alongside Biden for eight years, reminded the public of Biden’s longstanding efforts to fight cancer, particularly after the loss of his son Beau to brain cancer in 2015. International leaders also joined in offering support, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who shared his hopes for a successful treatment.
The diagnosis has sparked broader conversation around prostate cancer, particularly among older men. According to health experts, a Gleason score of 9 signals one of the most aggressive forms of the disease. Although it has metastasized, meaning it has spread beyond the prostate, doctors say many men can live for years with metastatic prostate cancer when it’s still responsive to hormone therapy. Treatments like androgen deprivation therapy and newer hormonal medications can often help slow the disease’s progress and improve quality of life.
Biden has long been an advocate for cancer research. As Vice President, he launched the Cancer Moonshot initiative in 2016 with the goal of accelerating cancer breakthroughs, and later relaunched the program during his presidency to further efforts in reducing cancer deaths. His personal commitment to the cause has been widely recognized, and many health professionals credit his leadership with driving significant funding and awareness. For Biden, this diagnosis brings the battle against cancer even closer to home, reinforcing the urgency behind ongoing research and early detection.
In recent months, Biden had kept a relatively low public profile following his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race. He appeared briefly at events and granted occasional interviews, during which he acknowledged slowing down but dismissed concerns about his cognitive health. This latest development, while serious, has not changed his family’s optimism or commitment to facing the disease with determination. As messages of support continue to pour in, many are reflecting on the legacy of a leader who has turned personal tragedy into public service—and now faces yet another test of strength.
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