Joe Biden Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer

Recent Diagnosis Sparks Concern

Former US President Joe Biden, aged 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, his office announced on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

The diagnosis came after Biden experienced increasing urinary symptoms, leading to medical evaluations that revealed a serious health challenge. The cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), has spread to his bones, marking it as metastatic.

This news has drawn widespread attention, with political figures across the spectrum expressing support. Biden and his family are now reviewing treatment options with his physicians, focusing on managing the disease. The announcement has reignited discussions about Biden’s health, a topic that shadowed his presidency.

Background of the Diagnosis

The diagnosis followed a routine physical exam on May 13, 2025, when doctors discovered a small prostate nodule. Biden’s increasing urinary symptoms prompted further tests, which confirmed the aggressive cancer on Friday, May 16.

According to his office, the cancer is hormone-sensitive, meaning treatments that reduce hormone levels could help control its growth. Prostate cancer is common among men, affecting 1 in 8 in the US, per the American Cancer Society.

However, Biden’s case is severe due to its high Gleason score and metastasis. Experts note that while the cancer is not curable at this stage, treatments can slow its progression and maintain quality of life.

Dr. Daniel Petrylak, a Yale Cancer Center specialist, expressed surprise at the diagnosis, given Biden’s closely monitored health. The timing of the announcement, days after leaked audio from a 2023 interview raised questions about Biden’s cognitive health, has fueled speculation, though no evidence links the two.

Biden’s Age and Health Context

At 82, Biden is the oldest former US president, having left office in January 2025 after serving one term. His age and health were frequent concerns during his 2021–2025 presidency, particularly after a faltering debate performance against Donald Trump in June 2024, which led him to abandon his re-election bid.

Biden’s physical and mental acuity faced scrutiny, with critics questioning whether his administration was fully transparent about his condition. Despite a February 2024 physical declaring him “fit to serve,” the rapid onset of this aggressive cancer has raised questions about undetected health issues.

Prostate cancer risk increases with age, and Biden’s diagnosis aligns with statistics showing higher prevalence in older men. His case underscores the importance of regular screenings, as early detection can lead to better outcomes.

Confirmation and Current Status

Biden’s personal office confirmed the diagnosis in a statement released on Sunday, detailing the Gleason score and metastasis. The statement noted that Biden is at his home in Wilmington, Delaware, and is actively consulting with doctors. While the cancer’s aggressive nature poses significant challenges, its hormone-sensitive status offers hope for effective management.

Dr. Chris George of Northwestern Health Network emphasized that treatments like hormone therapy can control the disease, though a cure is unlikely once it has spread to the bones. Biden’s office has not disclosed specific treatment plans or where he is receiving care, but the focus is on preserving his quality of life.

Political leaders, including President Donald Trump, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Barack Obama, have sent messages of support, with Harris calling Biden a “fighter.” No updates on his immediate health status have been released since the announcement.

Past Health Record

Biden has faced cancer before. In February 2023, while president, he had a basal cell carcinoma, a common skin cancer, removed from his chest. Before his presidency, he underwent procedures to remove non-melanoma skin cancers. These earlier cancers were less severe and successfully treated.

In 1988, Biden nearly died from a brain aneurysm, a health scare that ended his first presidential campaign. His son, Beau Biden, died of brain cancer in 2015 at age 46, a loss that deeply affected Biden and drove his commitment to cancer research. As vice president, he led the Cancer Moonshot initiative, relaunched during his presidency in 2022, aiming to advance cancer treatments.

This personal connection makes his current diagnosis particularly poignant. Despite past health challenges, Biden maintained an active presidency, though his age-related vulnerabilities were a constant topic. The aggressive nature of this prostate cancer marks his most serious health battle yet.

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