Former U.S. President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, according to a statement from his office. The diagnosis followed a medical consultation for urinary symptoms last week.
The cancer, classified as high-grade with a Gleason score of 9 out of 10, is considered hormone-sensitive, meaning treatment can likely manage its progression. Biden and his family are currently evaluating treatment options.
Support poured in from political leaders across the spectrum. President Donald Trump and former Vice President Kamala Harris both extended their best wishes, while former President Barack Obama praised Biden’s lifelong commitment to cancer research, noting his leadership in the 2016 “cancer moonshot” initiative.
Biden had stepped down from the 2024 presidential race due to health concerns, and Kamala Harris replaced him as the Democratic nominee. Since leaving office, Biden has kept a low profile, making occasional public appearances and interviews.
Medical experts say while prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bone is not typically curable, it can often be managed effectively for many years with hormonal therapy.
