Former President Joe Biden was diagnosed with an “aggressive form” of prostate cancer, according to a statement from his personal office Sunday, and it has spread to his bones.
“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, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone,” the statement said.
“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,” the statement said.
Biden and his family “are reviewing treatment options with his physicians,” it added.
Joe Biden’s term as president ended on January 20, 2025, when Donald Trump was sworn in.
Months before the November 2024 U.S. election, Biden had withdrawn his candidacy, writing that this was “in the best interest of my party and the country”. He endorsed then-Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. In August 2024, Harris, who is of Jamaican heritage, was confirmed as the Democratic presidential nominee. This was the first time an eligible incumbent had declined to run for reelection since 1968.
In the general election, Trump defeated Harris. The Senate went Republican for the first time since 2018.
“Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time. 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. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery,” Harris wrote on X.
Meanwhile, President Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: “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.”
