Former U.S. President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, according to a statement released by his office. The diagnosis was confirmed following recent tests after he reported urinary symptoms.
His cancer has a Gleason score of 9, indicating high aggressiveness, though it is hormone-sensitive and may respond well to modern hormone therapy drugs like Zytiga and Xtandi. Specialists emphasize that while metastatic prostate cancer is life-long, patients can survive for several years or even a decade with advanced treatments. Bone metastasis complicates prognosis, and the extent of its spread will impact treatment decisions. Biden is expected to begin hormone therapy soon, but surgery is unlikely due to his age and disease stage.
The diagnosis has prompted support from political colleagues, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, who expressed confidence in Biden’s resilience. She described him as “a fighter” and affirmed that he would confront the disease with courage and determination.
Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among American men, and while early detection has improved survival, recent years have seen more late-stage diagnoses. Screening is debated in older men, leading to potential underdiagnosis. Biden began experiencing urinary symptoms recently, prompting his diagnosis.
This diagnosis follows a previous health issue in 2023, when a skin lesion removed from Biden’s chest was found to be basal cell carcinoma, a common and treatable form of skin cancer. No further treatment was required, and the site healed without complications.
As Biden embarks on this new health challenge, his medical team and family are evaluating treatment options, and his political allies continue to offer their support.
