Former U.S. President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, his office confirmed in a statement released Sunday. The diagnosis follows a medical consultation last week prompted by urinary symptoms. Tests revealed a high-grade, aggressive form of prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 out of 10, indicating a rapid potential for spread, according to Cancer Research UK.
While the disease is serious, the former president’s office noted that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, meaning it is likely to respond to treatment. Biden and his family are currently reviewing treatment options.
Bipartisan Support
Following the announcement, support poured in from political figures across the spectrum. President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: “We are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family. We wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who succeeded Biden as the Democratic presidential nominee in 2024, said on X (formerly Twitter): “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.” Former President Barack Obama, who served alongside Biden from 2009 to 2017, expressed his support:
“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer than Joe. We pray for a fast and full recovery.” Obama also recalled appointing Biden in 2016 to lead the Cancer Moonshot, a major federal initiative aimed at accelerating cancer research. The Bidens relaunched the program in 2022, pledging to help prevent over four million cancer deaths by 2047.
Medical Outlook
According to the Cleveland Clinic, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, after skin cancer. The CDC notes that 13 out of every 100 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime, with age being the most significant risk factor. Dr. William Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer at the American Cancer Society, noted that the public details of Biden’s condition suggest a serious but manageable diagnosis:
“In general, if cancer has spread to the bones, it is not considered curable. However, many patients respond well to initial treatments and can live for many years.” Dr. Dahut said hormonal therapy is the likely first line of treatment to slow the progression of the disease and manage symptoms.
Private Life and Public Legacy
Biden, the oldest president in U.S. history, had largely stepped away from public life since withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race last year due to mounting concerns about his health and age. His exit came after a widely criticized performance in a June 2024 televised debate against then-Republican nominee and current president, Donald Trump.
In recent months, Biden had made a handful of appearances, including a keynote speech in April at a Chicago disability advocacy conference and an interview with the BBC, where he described stepping down as “a difficult but necessary decision.”
Appearing on The View in May, Biden also denied rumors of cognitive decline, saying, “There is nothing to sustain that.” The former president has long been a passionate advocate for cancer research, a deeply personal cause. His son Beau Biden died of brain cancer in 2015, a loss that has shaped much of his public service in recent years.
