Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an “aggressive” variant of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, as indicated by his office’s statement.
On Friday, the 82-year-old Democrat received the diagnosis after showing urinary symptoms and having a prostate nodule identified, according to a release from Mr. Biden’s office.
“Although this signifies a more aggressive type of cancer, it appears to be hormone-sensitive, which permits effective management. The President and his family are exploring treatment options with his medical team,” the statement elaborated.
US President Donald Trump, who has often criticized Mr. Biden regarding his cognitive capabilities, expressed that he was “saddened” by the news.
“Joe is a fighter,” said Vice President Kamala Harris, who took over as the Democratic nominee after Mr. Biden withdrew from last year’s presidential election, in a post on X.
US President Donald Trump conveyed his “saddened” reaction to the news.
“I am confident he will confront this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always characterized his life and leadership. We hope for a full and swift recovery,” she added.
Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer among men, with the American Cancer Society noting that one in eight men in the United States will be diagnosed with it during their lifetime.
Though highly treatable when caught early, it ranks as the second leading cause of cancer death among men, according to the organization.
Hormone therapy is a standard treatment that can reduce tumors and slow the progression of cancer, although it is not a definitive cure.
As per the statement, Mr. Biden’s cancer has been assessed with “a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5).”
Prostate cancer that appears “very abnormal” is given the highest designation, Grade 5, according to the American Cancer Society. The Gleason Score can reach up to 10, highlighting the severity of Mr. Biden’s condition.
Former US President Barack Obama remarked that Mr. Biden would tackle cancer “with his trademark resolve and grace.”
‘Watch me’
Mr. Biden concluded his term in January as the oldest president in US history and faced frequent questions, including from Democratic voters, concerning his health and age, as well as his capacity to meet the demands of the office.
His rebuttal was succinct: “Watch me.”
Last July, he was compelled to withdraw his re-election bid following a challenging debate against Mr. Trump, which heightened concerns about his cognitive decline.
Support surged for Ms. Harris as she stepped into the role, but she ultimately lost to Mr. Trump.
Mr. Biden, who triumphed over the current US president in the 2020 election, believes he could have also won the 2024 race; however, doubts have persisted regarding how his staff and key Democrats have responded to his decline.
These concerns have intensified with the upcoming release of a new book about his “disastrous” decision to run again and the recent publication of a recording in which he appeared to struggle to recall important events and dates.
Mr. Biden’s life has been marked by profound personal sorrow. In 1972, his first wife and infant daughter tragically died in a car accident.
His son Beau Biden passed away at 46 due to an aggressive form of brain cancer in 2015, a loss that resonated deeply with many Americans.
In the aftermath of Beau Biden’s death, then-President Barack Obama initiated a “cancer moonshot” initiative to combat the disease in the United States, appointing Mr. Biden, then his vice president, to lead the effort.
“It’s personal for me,” Mr. Biden expressed at that time.
“But it’s also personal for nearly every American, and millions globally. We all know someone who has faced cancer or is bravely battling it.”
“No one has contributed more to discovering breakthrough treatments for cancer in all forms than Joe,” stated Mr. Obama.
“I am confident he will confront this challenge with his characteristic resolve and grace,” the former president added in a statement on X.
