Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, which has metastasized to the bone, according to a statement from his office on Sunday. The diagnosis followed recent medical visits prompted by urinary symptoms, during which a prostate nodule was identified. Biden's gleason score, a measure of cancer cell aggressiveness, was reported at 9, indicating a highly aggressive form of the disease.
Despite the serious nature of the diagnosis, Biden’s office noted that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, suggesting that treatment options may be effective. The president and his family are currently consulting with his medical team to evaluate possible treatment paths.
When prostate cancer spreads, it commonly affects the bones, making it more challenging to treat due to the difficulty of targeting all tumor locations. However, hormone-sensitive cancers may respond well to therapies that inhibit hormone production.
Political figures across the spectrum have expressed their support for Biden. President Donald Trump shared his sadness regarding the news and wished Biden a swift recovery. Kamala Harris, the former vice president, also offered her support through social media, commending Biden's strength and resilience.
Biden's health has been a persistent concern among voters, particularly as he approaches the 2024 election. In recent months, he has faced scrutiny related to his age and overall health, including previous health issues such as a basal cell carcinoma removal and a benign colon polyp. As part of his administration's focus, Biden has prioritized cancer research and treatment, aiming to significantly reduce the cancer death rate over the coming decades.