Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, his office confirmed on Sunday. The 82-year-old Democrat, who left office earlier this year, is currently reviewing treatment options with his physicians.
The diagnosis was made on Friday after Biden experienced increasing urinary symptoms. Doctors found a prostate nodule, and further evaluation revealed that the cancer had metastasised to the bone. "While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management," the statement from his office said.
A serious but manageable condition
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight men will be diagnosed with it during their lifetime. While early-stage cases are highly treatable, metastatic cancer — when it spreads beyond the prostate — is more serious and typically considered Stage 4.
Biden’s cancer has been classified as high risk, with a Gleason score of 9 out of 10. This scoring system indicates how aggressive the cancer is. A score of 9 falls under Grade Group 5, meaning the cancer cells appear highly abnormal and are likely to grow and spread rapidly.
“It’s very treatable, but not curable,” said Dr. Matthew Smith of Massachusetts General Brigham Cancer Center. Hormone therapy is often the preferred treatment at this stage. It can slow the disease’s progression, though it does not offer a cure. “Most men in this situation would be treated with drugs and would not be advised to have either surgery or radiation therapy,” Smith added.
A life marked by resilience
This latest diagnosis adds another chapter to a life shaped by personal tragedy. In 1972, Biden’s first wife and infant daughter were killed in a car crash. Decades later, in 2015, his son Beau Biden died at age 46 from brain cancer — a loss that struck a chord with many Americans.
“It’s personal for me,” Biden said in 2016 while spearheading the Obama administration’s “cancer moonshot” programme. “But it’s also personal for nearly every American, and millions of people around the world. We all know someone who has had cancer, or is fighting to beat it.”
In 2022, as president, Biden revived that same initiative with the aim of cutting the cancer death rate by at least half over the next 25 years.
Support across the political spectrum
Biden's diagnosis has prompted a wave of support, including from political rivals. President Donald Trump expressed sympathy despite their long-standing political feud.
“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,” Trump said on Truth Social.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who stepped in as the Democratic nominee after Biden dropped out of last year's election, also shared her thoughts. “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 wrote on X. “We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”
Former President Barack Obama praised Biden's contributions to cancer research and his character. “Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery,” Obama said in a statement.
Biden’s health has been under intense scrutiny in recent years. As the oldest person to serve as US president, he faced growing concerns about his fitness for office during his term. His abrupt withdrawal from the 2024 election race last July came after a faltering debate performance against Trump raised alarm among Democrats and voters alike.
He has kept a relatively low public profile since leaving the White House, but has pushed back against claims of cognitive decline. Speaking on ABC's The View earlier this month, he dismissed allegations made in recent books: “They are wrong.”
Still, questions continue to linger. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy admitted on Sunday, before news of the cancer broke, “It was a mistake for Democrats to not listen to the voters earlier.”
“Heartbreaking” reactions from the public
News of Biden’s diagnosis has sparked emotional responses across Washington. “I think that's just really sad,” said Ariale Booker, a Washington resident who lost both her mother and grandmother to cancer. “His last years, his life's going to be really hard.”
Biden’s diagnosis comes at a time when federal cancer research funding has taken a hit. A recent Senate report revealed a 31% drop in cancer research funding under Trump’s administration during the first three months of 2025 compared to the same period the previous year.
Despite the prognosis, Biden remains under expert care and surrounded by family as treatment options are considered. Medical experts, including Dr. Herbert Lepor of NYU Langone, say that with recent advances, many men with advanced prostate cancer can live for five to ten years or more.
In the words of Obama: “He will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace.”
(With inputs from Agencies)
The diagnosis was made on Friday after Biden experienced increasing urinary symptoms. Doctors found a prostate nodule, and further evaluation revealed that the cancer had metastasised to the bone. "While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management," the statement from his office said.
A serious but manageable condition
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight men will be diagnosed with it during their lifetime. While early-stage cases are highly treatable, metastatic cancer — when it spreads beyond the prostate — is more serious and typically considered Stage 4.
Biden’s cancer has been classified as high risk, with a Gleason score of 9 out of 10. This scoring system indicates how aggressive the cancer is. A score of 9 falls under Grade Group 5, meaning the cancer cells appear highly abnormal and are likely to grow and spread rapidly.
“It’s very treatable, but not curable,” said Dr. Matthew Smith of Massachusetts General Brigham Cancer Center. Hormone therapy is often the preferred treatment at this stage. It can slow the disease’s progression, though it does not offer a cure. “Most men in this situation would be treated with drugs and would not be advised to have either surgery or radiation therapy,” Smith added.
A life marked by resilience
This latest diagnosis adds another chapter to a life shaped by personal tragedy. In 1972, Biden’s first wife and infant daughter were killed in a car crash. Decades later, in 2015, his son Beau Biden died at age 46 from brain cancer — a loss that struck a chord with many Americans.
“It’s personal for me,” Biden said in 2016 while spearheading the Obama administration’s “cancer moonshot” programme. “But it’s also personal for nearly every American, and millions of people around the world. We all know someone who has had cancer, or is fighting to beat it.”
In 2022, as president, Biden revived that same initiative with the aim of cutting the cancer death rate by at least half over the next 25 years.
Support across the political spectrum
Biden's diagnosis has prompted a wave of support, including from political rivals. President Donald Trump expressed sympathy despite their long-standing political feud.
“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,” Trump said on Truth Social.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who stepped in as the Democratic nominee after Biden dropped out of last year's election, also shared her thoughts. “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 wrote on X. “We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”
Former President Barack Obama praised Biden's contributions to cancer research and his character. “Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery,” Obama said in a statement.
Biden’s health has been under intense scrutiny in recent years. As the oldest person to serve as US president, he faced growing concerns about his fitness for office during his term. His abrupt withdrawal from the 2024 election race last July came after a faltering debate performance against Trump raised alarm among Democrats and voters alike.
He has kept a relatively low public profile since leaving the White House, but has pushed back against claims of cognitive decline. Speaking on ABC's The View earlier this month, he dismissed allegations made in recent books: “They are wrong.”
Still, questions continue to linger. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy admitted on Sunday, before news of the cancer broke, “It was a mistake for Democrats to not listen to the voters earlier.”
“Heartbreaking” reactions from the public
News of Biden’s diagnosis has sparked emotional responses across Washington. “I think that's just really sad,” said Ariale Booker, a Washington resident who lost both her mother and grandmother to cancer. “His last years, his life's going to be really hard.”
Biden’s diagnosis comes at a time when federal cancer research funding has taken a hit. A recent Senate report revealed a 31% drop in cancer research funding under Trump’s administration during the first three months of 2025 compared to the same period the previous year.
Despite the prognosis, Biden remains under expert care and surrounded by family as treatment options are considered. Medical experts, including Dr. Herbert Lepor of NYU Langone, say that with recent advances, many men with advanced prostate cancer can live for five to ten years or more.
In the words of Obama: “He will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace.”
(With inputs from Agencies)
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