Washington, D.C. Former United States President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive and advanced form of prostate cancer, his office confirmed on Sunday, sparking widespread concern and renewed attention to cancer awareness and treatment in aging populations.
According to an official statement, the 82-year-old statesman’s cancer is metastatic, meaning it has spread to his bones, and is classified with a Gleason score of 9 one of the highest markers used to determine the aggressiveness of prostate cancer. Despite the gravity of the diagnosis, Biden’s medical team emphasized that the disease remains hormone-sensitive, which means treatment through hormone suppression therapy is expected to be effective in managing the cancer, at least in the short to medium term.
Diagnosis and Medical Outlook
Biden underwent medical evaluation after experiencing persistent urinary symptoms, which led to the discovery of a prostate nodule. Further testing confirmed the cancer had not only developed aggressively but had also spread to his skeletal system a common route of progression in advanced cases.
Experts say that while metastatic prostate cancer is not curable, it is increasingly treatable, with many patients living for years with proper management. Treatment is expected to begin with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), possibly combined with newer androgen receptor inhibitors or radiopharmaceuticals, depending on how his body responds.
“While the situation is serious, this form of cancer responds well to therapy in its early hormone-sensitive stages,” said Dr. Lila Montgomery, an oncologist at Johns Hopkins University, who was not involved in Biden’s care but commented on the case. “Survival has improved dramatically in the past decade, even with metastatic disease.”
Political and Personal Reactions
Reactions poured in from both sides of the aisle. Former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social, writing, “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s diagnosis. We wish him a speedy and full recovery. Cancer affects too many families politics aside, this is a human moment.”
Vice President Kamala Harris issued a statement calling Biden a “fighter to his core” and praised his “unwavering commitment to battling cancer through both policy and personal courage.”
The Cancer Moonshot Initiative, launched by Biden during his vice presidency and relaunched during his presidency, now takes on a deeply personal tone. The initiative was inspired by the death of his son, Beau Biden, in 2015 from glioblastoma an aggressive form of brain cancer. The senior Biden had often spoken emotionally about Beau’s battle and used it to galvanize public support for expanded cancer research and funding.
Health and Leadership Questions Resurface
Though Biden is no longer in office, his diagnosis has sparked broader conversations about age, health, and leadership in U.S. politics, especially with the nation still adjusting to a new political era. Biden had opted not to run for re-election in 2024, endorsing his successor and returning to private life.
Now, as he confronts this latest personal challenge, supporters and critics alike have expressed admiration for his decades-long public service and resilience.
A Broader Call to Action
Biden’s illness is expected to revive national discourse on men’s health, prostate cancer screening, and elderly care in the United States. Health advocacy groups, including the American Cancer Society, have reiterated calls for regular screenings for men over 50, especially those with a family history of the disease.
“This is a stark reminder that prostate cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer death among men,” said Karen Mitchell, CEO of the Prostate Health Foundation. “Biden’s openness about his diagnosis could save lives by encouraging others to get tested early.”
What’s Next
Biden’s office stated that he is “reviewing treatment options with his team of specialists” and will remain under close medical observation. No further public appearances are scheduled at this time, though he is expected to release a video message addressing the public later this week.
For now, the former president remains at home surrounded by family. The White House and U.S. political leaders have offered logistical support and privacy as Biden embarks on what many expect to be a long and difficult fight.
