MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Biden diagnosed with serious form of prostate cancer

The disease is not curable but there are therapeutic options, it was explained

Former President Joseph Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer (Gleason score 9, Grade Group 5) that has spread to his bones, following the discovery of a prostate nodule and increased urinary symptoms. The malady was reported to be hormone-sensitive, allowing for effective treatment. Hence, Biden is evaluating options with his physicians.

While the disease is serious and not curable due to bone metastasis, newer hormonal and chemotherapy treatments offer hope for extended longevity. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the Gleason score is a grading system from 6 to 10 that assesses the aggressiveness of prostate cancer. A Gleason score of 9 means that the cancer cells could spread rapidly, it was explained.

Prostate cancer ranks as the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men, following lung cancer, with approximately 1 in 44 men succumbing to the disease. Throughout their lifetime, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with it, mostly when aged 65 and older.

Biden, who left office in 2025, has a history of minor cancer-related procedures, including a basal cell carcinoma removal in 2023, and established the “Cancer Moonshot” initiative to combat cancer, motivated by his son Beau's death from brain cancer in 2015. Prostate cancer is common, with about 313,780 new cases expected in 2025, and treatment options include surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy.

“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,” US President Donald Trump posted on social media.

“Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time,” wrote Harris.

“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. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery,” she added.