by Temitope Oladeji
19/05/2025
Former United States President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, his office confirmed on Friday.
The 82-year-old Democrat received the diagnosis after experiencing urinary symptoms and undergoing medical evaluations that revealed a prostate nodule.
“This represents a more aggressive form of the disease,” the statement from Mr. Biden’s office read.
“However, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management.
The President and his family are currently reviewing treatment options with his medical team.”
Mr. Biden expressed his gratitude to the public in a message shared on the social media platform X, accompanied by a photograph of himself with his wife, Jill Biden.
“Cancer touches us all,” he wrote. “Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in broken places. Thank you for lifting us with love and support.”
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States.
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime.
Although highly treatable when detected early, it remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death in American men.
Mr. Biden’s cancer was assigned a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), the highest category for tumor aggressiveness, indicating a very abnormal cell structure and a serious diagnosis.
While hormone therapy is a common method of managing such cancers, it does not offer a cure.
The news prompted bipartisan responses of support. Former President Donald Trump, Mr. Biden’s longtime political rival, offered well wishes on his social media platform, Truth Social.
“We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery,” Mr. Trump stated.
Despite their contentious history, he described the diagnosis as “saddening.”
Joe Biden’s former Vice President Kamala Harris, who stepped in as the Democratic presidential nominee following Mr. Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race, also responded with a message of encouragement.
“Joe is a fighter,” Harris posted on X.. “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.”
Mr. Biden left office in January 2025 as the oldest-serving president in U.S. history, having faced persistent scrutiny over his age and health during his tenure.
Though he often responded defiantly to such criticism, famously saying, “Watch me,” concerns intensified after a faltering debate performance against Donald Trump in July 2024.
That moment ultimately led to his decision to end his re-election campaign.
Former Vice President Harris gained a surge of support after assuming the Democratic nomination, but ultimately lost the general election to President Donald Trump.
As Mr. Biden begins his cancer treatment journey, his diagnosis marks a sobering chapter for a leader who has long battled personal and political adversity.
Messages of solidarity continue to pour in from across the political spectrum and around the world.