May 18 – Former U.S. President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive and advanced form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, according to a statement from his office released on Sunday. The diagnosis was made following recent symptoms that prompted medical evaluation, including issues related to urination. Biden and his family are currently consulting with medical experts to determine the most effective treatment path moving forward.
Despite the serious nature of the disease, Biden’s team emphasized that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, a factor that makes it more manageable with available treatments. This recent health development has drawn attention across the political spectrum, with figures from both parties expressing sympathy and support for the former president during this challenging time.
Aggressive Diagnosis and What It Means
The cancer Biden has been diagnosed with is considered highly aggressive, registering a 9 out of 10 on the Gleason score—a grading system used to assess the severity of prostate cancer. A score this high indicates rapid growth and a greater chance of spreading, which is consistent with Biden’s cancer now affecting his bones. This marks the illness as Stage 4, the most advanced level of prostate cancer.
While such a diagnosis is deeply concerning, it does not necessarily signal an immediate end-of-life situation. Medical professionals have noted that significant advancements have been made in recent years regarding the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. Hormone therapies, radiation, and newer targeted drugs offer a variety of options to slow the progression of the disease and extend the patient’s life significantly.
Experts such as Dr. Herbert Lepor, a respected urologist, suggest that many patients with a similar diagnosis can live for many years with proper treatment and care. His view is echoed by other medical authorities, including Dr. Chris George of Northwestern Health Network, who pointed out that while cancer that spreads to the bones is no longer curable, it remains controllable with modern therapeutic approaches.
Public and Political Reactions
Biden’s health has long been a topic of public conversation, especially during his term from 2021 to 2025. His physical stamina and mental clarity were often discussed during his presidency and particularly after a contentious debate performance against Donald Trump in mid-2024. That performance was followed by a sudden withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, prompting concerns and criticism from within his own party.
Despite past political rivalries, President Donald Trump extended a message of sympathy through his social media platform Truth Social, offering kind words to Biden and his wife, Jill. He stated that both he and First Lady Melania Trump were saddened by the news and wished Biden a speedy recovery. It was an unusual but heartfelt gesture that momentarily bridged political divides.
Vice President Kamala Harris also expressed her support, describing Biden as a resilient figure who has faced numerous personal and professional challenges with courage and resolve. She referred to his strength in the face of past tragedies, such as the loss of his son Beau to brain cancer in 2015, as a testament to his ability to endure and fight back.
The diagnosis has reignited conversations about Biden’s decision to run for a second term and the Democratic Party’s approach to leadership transitions. Prior to this diagnosis, some senior members of the party had begun to question the decision to promote him as the leading candidate for 2024, particularly in light of polling data showing that many voters viewed his age as a limiting factor.
Senator Chris Murphy voiced this concern in a recent interview to NBC News, noting that the party might have missed an opportunity to heed the will of the voters sooner. He stressed the importance of listening to public sentiment, especially on matters as significant as presidential leadership.
Biden himself had continued to maintain a quiet public presence after leaving office. In one of his rare appearances last month, he delivered a speech defending the Social Security Administration and pushed back against criticisms of his mental acuity. He also denied reports in recent publications that claimed he had experienced cognitive decline during his final year in office, calling the narratives inaccurate.
Looking Ahead
Biden’s diagnosis has prompted an outpouring of bipartisan support and reflections on his contributions to American politics and healthcare. One of his signature initiatives in recent years was the revival of the “Cancer Moonshot” program, originally launched during the Obama administration. This ambitious effort aimed to cut cancer death rates in half over the next 25 years, and Biden had taken a personal interest in its success due to his family’s past struggles with cancer.
Now facing the disease himself, Biden becomes not only an advocate but also a patient—adding a deeply personal layer to his continued efforts in the fight against cancer. His journey through this diagnosis will be closely followed by the public, medical professionals, and political allies and rivals alike.
Though the road ahead will be difficult, those close to him believe that Biden’s enduring spirit and deep-rooted resilience will guide him through. As he weighs treatment decisions and adapts to this new chapter, the former president remains, in the words of many supporters, a fighter.