Former President Joe Biden Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer

Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, his personal office announced on Sunday. “Last week, President Joe Biden was evaluated after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms, which led to the identification of a prostate nodule,” the statement read. “On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, marked by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), with metastasis to the bone.” Metastasis indicates that the cancer has spread from its primary site—in Biden’s case, the prostate—to other tissues in the body. “Although this diagnosis represents a more aggressive form o

Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, his personal office announced on Sunday. “Last week, President Joe Biden was evaluated after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms, which led to the identification of a prostate nodule,” the statement read. “On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, marked by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), with metastasis to the bone.” Metastasis indicates that the cancer has spread from its primary site—in Biden’s case, the prostate—to other tissues in the body. “Although this diagnosis represents a more aggressive form of prostate cancer, it appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective medical management,” the statement continued. “President Biden and his family are currently consulting with his medical team to explore treatment options.” A spokesperson from Biden’s office declined to provide additional comments. According to a source familiar with the family’s discussions, the former President and his relatives are considering several treatment paths, including hormone therapy. Biden is currently at his residence in Wilmington, Delaware, though it remains unclear where he will undergo treatment. Biden’s Gleason score of 9 (Group Grade 5) suggests an aggressive cancer type that is more likely to grow and spread. “Gleason 9 is, by definition, aggressive, but its severity truly depends on the PET scan findings,” noted Dr. Alan Tan, Genitourinary Section Lead at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Tan is not involved in Biden’s case. He added that this form of prostate cancer is not uncommon: “This is the most frequent condition I see in my clinic. It’s the bread-and-butter of genitourinary oncology.” Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it. Experts emphasized that the hormone-sensitive nature of Biden’s cancer improves his chances of responding well to treatment. Dr. Chris George, a prostate cancer specialist at Northwestern Medicine who is also unaffiliated with the case, noted that if the treatment is effective, Biden could live for many years as the disease remains under control.

Expressions of Support from Political Figures

Former President Donald Trump expressed sympathy upon hearing the news: “We were saddened to hear about President Biden’s diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family and wish Joe a fast and successful recovery,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Former Vice President Kamala Harris and former Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff also shared their support. “Joe is a fighter,” Harris posted on X. “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.” Former President Barack Obama praised Biden’s contributions to cancer research and treatment: “Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family. Nobody has done more to drive breakthroughs in cancer treatment than Joe, and I am confident he will face this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace.”

Prostate Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. It primarily affects older men and ranks as the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths among American men, following lung cancer. Just last Tuesday, Biden’s office disclosed that a “small nodule” was discovered on his prostate during a routine physical, prompting further medical evaluation. At 82, Biden holds the distinction of being the oldest president in U.S. history. Generally, experts do not recommend the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test—which helps detect prostate cancer—for men over 70. However, exceptions are sometimes made based on individual health status and history. “It’s a risk-benefit calculation,” explained Dr. Kavita Patel, a physician who served in the Obama administration. “Given his roles as Vice President and President, the benefit of screening was significant. I’ve screened patients in their 80s if they were otherwise in good health or had a family history of cancer.”

Political Impact and Party Response

Following Biden’s diagnosis and his earlier withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, Democrats faced renewed introspection about whether he should have run for a second term. Some believe that his candidacy may have contributed to Donald Trump’s victory in the November election. Nevertheless, the party quickly put aside post-election debates to rally around Biden and wish him well. “President Joe Biden is a great American patriot,” said Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., former Speaker of the House. “Paul and I join millions across the country and around the world in praying for his strength and a swift recovery. We send love to him and his family.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., echoed similar sentiments: “Over the years, the Biden family has faced unimaginable adversity with grace and unwavering determination. We stand with President Biden as he faces this moment with the same courage and resilience that have defined his life.” Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., stated: “Praying for my friend and former colleague, Joe Biden, after hearing the news of his diagnosis. Loretta and I are keeping Joe, the entire Biden family, and his medical team in our thoughts. Keep the faith, Joe.” Several Republican lawmakers also issued messages of support, despite previously questioning Biden’s fitness to lead. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., posted, “I’m sorry to see this news. Cancer is truly awful. My Dad passed away in 2021 with cancer.” She encouraged her supporters to pray for Biden and his family. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., added, “This is certainly sad news, and the Johnson family joins countless others in praying for the former President following his diagnosis.”

Biden’s Longstanding Efforts to Combat Cancer

During his presidency, Biden prioritized cancer prevention and research through the revitalization of his public-private Cancer Moonshot initiative. This program invested in cutting-edge research, expanded free cancer screening access, and—according to administration data—enabled nearly 8 million screenings for prostate, breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, and skin cancers. Following his exit from the 2024 presidential race, Biden’s first major public initiative included announcing $150 million in new research grants to support innovative tumor-removal techniques and improve surgical outcomes for cancer patients. Biden first led the Moonshot program in 2016 as Vice President, shortly after the loss of his eldest son, Beau Biden, to brain cancer. In 2021, he underwent a colonoscopy at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, during which a “single 3 mm benign-appearing polyp” was detected and removed. Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the White House physician, reported at the time that the polyp was a “slow-growing, but potentially precancerous lesion,” which required no additional treatment. A similar polyp had been removed from Biden in 2008. Following his most recent full physical in February 2024, Dr. O’Connor described Biden as a “healthy, active, robust 81-year-old.”