Biden's Health Shock: Ex-President Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer That Has Spread to Bones

The Shocking Diagnosis: Biden's Battle with Prostate Cancer Begins

In a stunning development that has sent ripples through the American political landscape, former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has already spread to his bones. The announcement came from his personal office on Sunday, May 18, 2025, just four months after he left the White House.

According to the statement released by his office, Biden was seen by doctors last week after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms, which led to the discovery of a prostate nodule. By Friday, May 16, the 82-year-old former president received the devastating news - he has prostate cancer characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.

This diagnosis represents one of the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer, though his medical team noted that the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for more effective management options. Currently, Biden and his family are reviewing various treatment possibilities with his physicians as they prepare to face this significant health challenge.

The news comes at a time when Biden had just begun to reemerge on the public stage following his departure from office in January 2025. Just weeks ago, he appeared alongside his wife Jill on ABC's The View, where he pushed back against suggestions that he had experienced cognitive decline during his final year in office.

Understanding Prostate Cancer: What Biden's Diagnosis Means

To fully comprehend the severity of Biden's condition, it's important to understand what prostate cancer is and what his specific diagnosis entails. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among men, especially older men. It occurs in the prostate gland, which is an integral component of the male reproductive system responsible for producing fluid that contributes to semen.

The prostate is located beneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body. When normal prostate cells undergo changes and begin to proliferate in an uncontrolled manner, they can develop into masses or tumors.

Biden's cancer has been assigned a Gleason score of 9 on a scale that ranges from 1 to 10. This scoring system reflects how abnormal the cancer cells appear compared to normal cells, with higher scores indicating more aggressive forms. A score of 9 places Biden's cancer among the most aggressive types, suggesting that the cells look very different from normal cells and are likely to grow and spread quickly.

Furthermore, the statement from Biden's office confirmed that the cancer has metastasized to the bone, which significantly complicates treatment. When prostate cancer spreads beyond the prostate gland, particularly to the bones, it becomes much more challenging to treat as medications may struggle to reach all tumors and completely eradicate the disease.

Treatment Options for Advanced Prostate Cancer

While Biden's diagnosis is undoubtedly serious, medical advancements in recent years have significantly improved treatment outcomes for patients with metastatic prostate cancer. According to Dr. Matthew Smith from Massachusetts General Brigham Cancer Center, patients diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer can typically expect to live for four to five years with proper treatment. As he noted, It's very treatable, but not curable.

For someone in Biden's situation with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer that has spread to the bones, the primary treatment approach typically involves medications that reduce hormone levels in the body or prevent these hormones from reaching cancer cells. These treatments can effectively slow the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Most medical experts suggest that men in Biden's situation would receive drug therapy rather than undergo surgery or radiation therapy. The hormone sensitivity of his cancer, as mentioned in the statement from his office, is actually a positive factor that gives his medical team more effective treatment options to pursue.

As Biden and his family review treatment options with his physicians, they will likely be considering various hormone therapy approaches, possibly combined with other medications designed to target cancer cells that have spread to the bones. The former president's relatively good overall health prior to this diagnosis may also play a role in how well he responds to treatment.

Political Reactions to Biden's Health Crisis

News of Biden's cancer diagnosis has prompted an outpouring of support from across the political spectrum. President Donald Trump, who defeated Biden's successor Kamala Harris in the 2024 election to return to the White House, was among the first to offer his sympathies.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden's recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris also expressed her support on social media, stating that she and her husband are keeping President Joe Biden and his family in their prayers. She added, 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.

Across the country, other political leaders have similarly reached out with messages of support. Arizona Governor Katie Dobbs posted on social media, My heart is with former President Biden and his entire family. The bipartisan show of support highlights how health challenges can transcend political divisions, even in today's polarized political climate.

Biden's diagnosis comes at a time when his legacy and the final year of his presidency have been subjects of ongoing discussion and debate. A recent book by CNN's Jake Tapper and Axios' Alex Thompson described how the president had been showing signs of decline that aides allegedly ignored or explained away, even before his widely criticized debate performance that led to his exit from the 2024 election.

Biden's Personal Connection to Cancer Research

For Biden, this cancer diagnosis carries particular poignancy given his long-standing commitment to cancer research and prevention. After losing his son Beau to brain cancer in 2015, Biden dedicated the later part of his political career to advancing cancer research and treatment.

During his presidency, Biden prioritized a cancer moonshot initiative, aiming to reduce the cancer mortality rate by half over the next 25 years. This initiative continued efforts he began during his vice presidency under President Barack Obama to combat the disease that claimed his son's life.

The former president has often spoken about the personal impact of cancer on his family and has used his platform to advocate for increased funding and attention to cancer research. In many ways, Biden's own diagnosis now places him among the millions of Americans whose lives he has sought to improve through his cancer initiatives.

This personal connection to the cause may provide Biden with additional perspective and resolve as he faces his own battle with the disease. His experience navigating the healthcare system as a patient rather than as a policymaker could also potentially inform his continued advocacy work in this area, should he choose to remain active in these efforts during his treatment.

The Reality of Prostate Cancer in America

Biden's diagnosis also brings attention to the prevalence of prostate cancer in the United States. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, prostate cancer ranks as the second most common cancer among American men, following only skin cancer. Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.

This year alone, it is projected that over 313,000 men in the United States will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis. While many cases are detected early and can be effectively treated, advanced cases like Biden's present greater challenges.

Risk factors for prostate cancer include age (the risk increases significantly after age 50), family history, and race, with African American men facing higher rates of prostate cancer than men of other racial backgrounds. At 82, Biden falls squarely within the demographic most at risk for developing this disease.

Early detection through regular screening is crucial for improving outcomes, as prostate cancer that is caught before it spreads beyond the prostate gland is much more treatable. Biden's case, which has already metastasized to the bone, underscores the importance of regular health screenings and prompt medical attention when symptoms arise.

Common symptoms of prostate cancer can include difficulty urinating, increased frequency of urination (especially at night), blood in the urine or semen, and discomfort in the pelvic area. Biden reportedly sought medical attention after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms, which ultimately led to his diagnosis.

Looking Ahead: Biden's Prognosis and Future

As Biden begins this new and unexpected chapter in his life, many Americans are wondering about his prognosis and what the future holds for the former president. While his diagnosis is serious, the statement from his office emphasized that the hormone-sensitive nature of his cancer allows for effective management, offering some reason for optimism.

Medical experts not involved in Biden's care have noted that advances in treatment mean that even patients with metastatic prostate cancer can often maintain a good quality of life for several years with appropriate treatment. Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urologist and robotic surgeon with Orlando Health, observed that prostate cancer is very common, adding, As we get older, most men are going to have little cancer cells in them.

Biden has maintained a relatively low profile since leaving the White House in January, though he had begun to make more public appearances in recent weeks. How his diagnosis and treatment will affect his post-presidential plans remains to be seen, but given his age and the seriousness of his condition, it seems likely that he will need to focus primarily on his health in the immediate future.

For now, Biden is reported to be at his home in Wilmington, Delaware, as he and his family consider treatment options. The coming weeks will likely bring more information about his treatment plan and prognosis as he begins this difficult journey.

As Americans of all political persuasions offer their support and prayers for the former president's recovery, Biden's battle with cancer serves as a reminder of our shared humanity and the health challenges that can affect anyone, regardless of their status or position. In facing this diagnosis with the same resilience he has shown throughout his long career in public service, Biden may yet provide inspiration to the millions of Americans who are likewise confronting cancer and other serious health conditions.