Former US President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an “aggressive form” of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, his office announced Sunday.
The diagnosis follows a medical evaluation prompted by increasing urinary symptoms and the discovery of a prostate nodule last week.
Biden’s office said the cancer was identified on Friday and is characterised by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating a high-grade, aggressive malignancy.
“Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterised by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone,” the statement reads in part.
“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,” the office further stated.
Biden and his family are currently reviewing treatment options with his physicians.
The announcement has elicited widespread support from political figures, including Biden’s successor, President Donald Trump.
In a message on the White House’s X page, Trump stated, “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris also supported her former principal in an X post.
“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,” she said.
Medical experts note that Biden’s diagnosis is serious but manageable with modern treatments.
Prostate cancer specialist at Duke University, Dr. Judd Moul, told The New York Times that patients with bone metastasis can live for several years with current therapies, potentially allowing Biden to succumb to natural causes rather than the cancer itself.
However, the five-year survival rate for such advanced cases is estimated at 30% to 40 percent.
Biden’s health has been a topic of public discussion in recent years.
Before entering office, he had several non-melanoma skin cancers removed, and in 2023, a cancerous lesion was excised from his chest.