Joe Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer That Has Spread to His Bones
Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, his office confirmed Sunday afternoon. The news comes after weeks of speculation about the 82-year-old’s health and marks a deeply personal and serious moment in the national political landscape.
The cancer was discovered during a medical exam on Friday, after Biden began experiencing worsening urinary symptoms. Doctors identified a small nodule on his prostate and further testing confirmed a high-grade tumor, classified as a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5)—an indication of advanced and fast-growing cancer.
Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, Biden’s medical team noted that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, meaning it could respond well to available treatments.
Biden Breaks His Silence with a Message of Gratitude
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Biden addressed the nation with a message of strength and appreciation:
“Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”
The diagnosis comes just months after Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race following a widely criticized debate performance against Donald Trump in June. Concerns about his age and stamina had mounted during the campaign, though his commitment to public service remained unchanged.
Support Pours in from Both Sides of the Aisle
Reactions to the news have come in from across the political spectrum. Former President Donald Trump offered a rare moment of bipartisanship, writing on Truth Social:
“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 shared her support as well:
“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.”
Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA), a longtime Biden ally, echoed that sentiment:
“Praying for @JoeBiden and his family to defeat the cancer he’s recently been diagnosed with. He and Jill have always been fighters and I am confident they will meet this challenge with grit and grace.”
Public figures including Meghan McCain and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene also shared heartfelt responses, reflecting on how cancer has impacted their own families.
A Longtime Advocate in the Fight Against Cancer
Biden’s connection to the fight against cancer is deeply personal. After the loss of his son Beau to brain cancer in 2015, he launched the “Cancer Moonshot” initiative—an ambitious national effort to accelerate cancer research and improve access to cutting-edge treatments. During his presidency, he continued to champion this cause, calling for bipartisan support to end cancer as we know it.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in the U.S., especially those over 65. Prognoses vary depending on how early the disease is caught and how far it has spread.
At this time, the Biden family is consulting with medical specialists to determine the best course of treatment. Additional updates are expected soon.
