Biden Battles Aggressive Prostate Cancer

Former U.S. President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, his personal office confirmed on Sunday. The diagnosis followed recent tests after Biden experienced urinary symptoms and doctors detected a prostate nodule.

“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management,” Biden’s office stated. The former president and his family are now reviewing treatment options with his medical team.

Biden’s Gleason score—used to assess the severity of prostate cancer—was nine out of 10, indicating a highly aggressive form of the disease. When prostate cancer spreads beyond the prostate, it most commonly spreads to bones, making treatment more challenging. However, hormone-sensitive prostate cancers can often be managed through hormone-deprivation therapies.

Trump, Harris, Obama, and Other Leaders React

In a rare show of empathy, President Donald Trump offered warm wishes to his former rival, writing on Truth Social:

“Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill Biden and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”

Vice President Kamala Harris wrote on X:

“Joe is a fighter—and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also sent his well wishes, hoping for a “swift and successful treatment.”

Former President Barack Obama added:

“Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family. Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace.”

Biden’s Health in Focus

Biden has a history of dealing with cancer. Before his presidency, he had several non-melanoma skin cancers removed, and in 2023, a cancerous lesion was excised from his chest. His son Beau Biden died of brain cancer in 2015, prompting the elder Biden to lead the Obama administration’s “Cancer Moonshot” initiative—an effort he revived as president, aiming to cut the U.S. cancer death rate in half over 25 years.

Health and age have long been points of concern in Biden’s political life. Though he defeated Donald Trump in the 2020 election and initially planned to seek re-election, he later withdrew, citing growing scrutiny over his cognitive health. Kamala Harris, whom he endorsed as his successor, lost the 2024 election to Trump, who returned to the White House in January.

A new book titled Original Sin by journalists Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson—set for release Tuesday—details internal concerns within the White House about Biden’s mental and physical health, including reports of forgetfulness, confusion, and fears he might need a wheelchair.

Despite the scrutiny and recent mocking comments by Trump, Biden has repeatedly insisted he remains mentally and physically capable of public service.

Public Support Grows

As the news of Biden’s diagnosis spread, political figures across the spectrum voiced support. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called Biden “a man of deep faith and extraordinary resilience,” while California Governor Gavin Newsom praised his “dignity, strength, and compassion.”

Biden’s cancer diagnosis not only marks a significant moment in his personal health journey but may also reshape ongoing conversations about aging, leadership, and public transparency in American politics.