Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, according to a statement released by his personal office. The 82-year-old statesman underwent further testing last week after a prostate nodule was detected.
Doctors report that Biden’s cancer carries a Gleason score of 9, indicating a highly aggressive form of the disease. However, the cancer is hormone-sensitive, a characteristic that allows for effective treatment options. Biden and his family are currently considering the best path forward for care.
Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In a personal message shared on social media, Biden wrote, “Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places,” alongside a photo of them with their cat, Willow.
Biden has long been a prominent advocate for cancer research, spearheading the Cancer Moonshot initiative during his vice presidency after the death of his son Beau from brain cancer. He reignited the effort during his presidency, aiming to significantly reduce cancer mortality rates in the coming decades.
Messages of support have poured in from across the political spectrum. Former President Donald Trump extended his well-wishes, writing on Truth Social, “We wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.” Vice President Kamala Harris praised Biden’s resilience, calling him “a fighter” and expressing hope for a full and swift recovery.
As Biden steps back from public life following his decision not to seek re-election in 2024, this latest challenge marks another chapter in his long journey of public service and personal resilience.