Joe Biden has prostate cancer. Credit: Jonah Elkowitz, Shutterstock
Former US President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has already spread to his bones, according to a statement from his office released on Sunday, May 18.
The cancer was discovered following increasing urinary symptoms. A biopsy confirmed a Gleason score of 9 out of 10, indicating a high-grade, fast-growing tumour. Biden’s office said the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which may allow for effective treatment.
‘On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterised by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone,’ the statement read.
Will Biden survive his prostate cancer?
Biden and his family are currently reviewing treatment plans with his medical team.
Dr Benjamin Davies of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center said the fact that Biden’s cancer has spread to the bone “is very serious and not curable”.
However, “There is some good news here in the newer hormonal and chemotherapy therapies [that have come] into this space in the past few years which have shown impressive results and extended the longevity of patients significantly.” (Cited by CNN).
Dr William Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer at the American Cancer Society, told the BBC: “In general, if cancer has spread to the bones, we don’t think it is considered a curable cancer,” but added that many patients “can live many years with the diagnosis.” (Cited by the BBC).
Dr Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urologist at Orlando Health, also told CNN that with treatment, even high-risk patients “can live a pretty normal life.”
Global support for Biden following news of prostate cancer
The news sparked support for Biden in the US and internationally.
Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis… We wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Kamala Harris wrote on X: “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.”
Barack Obama added: “Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed support: “All the very best to Joe, his wife Jill and their family, and wishing the president swift and successful treatment.” (Cited by the BBC.)
Biden’s personal history with cancer and his Cancer Moonshot campaign
Cancer is a personal issue for Biden. His son Beau died of brain cancer in 2015 at the age of 46. In 2016, then-President Obama appointed Biden to lead the “Cancer Moonshot” initiative. The programme was relaunched in 2022, aiming to cut cancer deaths by at least 50 per cent within 25 years.
Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race after a poor debate performance in June, followed by mounting concerns about his cognitive health. In a recent interview with The View, Biden said: “There is nothing to sustain that.”
Though largely out of the public eye, he gave a speech in April and appeared in a BBC interview in May where he called his withdrawal from the election “difficult.”
Biden remains at his home in Wilmington, Delaware, and his team says updates will follow when available.
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