Former President Joe Biden Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer

Former President Joe Biden’s personal office confirmed on Sunday that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The announcement followed a recent medical evaluation prompted by urinary symptoms, which led to the discovery of a prostate nodule.

Medical details released by his office indicate the cancer has a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) and has metastasized to the bone, meaning it has spread beyond the prostate. While this type of cancer is considered aggressive, the statement noted it appears hormone-sensitive, which could allow for effective treatment. Biden and his family are currently reviewing treatment options, including hormone therapy, with his medical team.

Dr. Alan Tan, a genitourinary oncologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (unaffiliated with Biden’s care), explained that Gleason 9 prostate cancer is not uncommon and falls within the scope of typical cases seen in clinical practice. He emphasized that further evaluation, such as imaging scans, would help determine the cancer’s progression.

Biden, 82, is currently at his home in Wilmington, Delaware, though his treatment location remains unspecified. His office had previously disclosed a prostate nodule detected during a routine physical, requiring additional follow-up.

Reactions and Context

Political figures from both parties, including former President Donald Trump and former Vice President Kamala Harris, shared messages of support. Harris described Biden as “a fighter” and expressed hope for his recovery.

Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among American men, with 1 in 8 men diagnosed in their lifetime, per the American Cancer Society. Biden’s diagnosis coincides with ongoing discussions about his decision to run for reelection at his age, though Democratic leaders largely shifted focus to expressing solidarity after the news broke.

Biden’s Health Initiatives

As president, Biden prioritized cancer research through the relaunched Cancer Moonshot initiative, aimed at reducing cancer mortality. The program expanded screenings and funded treatment research, with Biden recently announcing $150 million in grants for cancer surgery advancements. His advocacy stems in part from the 2015 death of his son Beau from brain cancer.

Biden’s medical history includes the removal of a benign colon polyp in 2021, deemed non-cancerous with no further action required.

The statement from Biden’s office emphasized no additional comments would be provided at this time.