Cancer Has Spread to Bones, but Hormone-Sensitive Nature Offers Hope for Management

Former President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, his office announced on Sunday, marking a significant health challenge for the former commander-in-chief. The diagnosis, revealed after a routine physical exam last week, has sparked concern and well-wishes from across the political spectrum.

According to a statement from Biden’s office, the former president experienced increasing urinary symptoms, prompting doctors to investigate further. A prostate nodule was discovered, and subsequent tests confirmed prostate cancer on Friday, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating a high level of aggressiveness. The cancer has metastasized to the bone, a serious development, though the statement noted that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management through targeted therapies.

“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management,” the statement read. Biden is currently reviewing treatment options with his medical team, which may include hormone therapy, radiation, or other interventions tailored to his condition. No specific timeline for treatment or public appearances was provided.

The diagnosis comes just months after Biden left office in January 2025, concluding his term as the 46th President of the United States. His health has been a subject of public interest in recent years, with previous reports of non-melanoma skin cancers removed before and during his presidency. In February 2023, Biden underwent a procedure to remove a basal cell carcinoma from his chest, which required no further treatment.

Political figures and citizens alike have expressed support for Biden following the announcement. President Donald Trump, in a brief statement on Truth Social, wished Biden “strength and recovery,” while Vice President Kamala Harris called Biden “a fighter” and pledged her support. Social media platforms, including X, have seen an outpouring of messages hoping for Biden’s recovery, alongside discussions about the implications of his diagnosis.

Biden’s medical team has emphasized that early detection and the hormone-sensitive nature of the cancer provide a pathway for managing the disease, though the aggressive nature and bone metastasis present significant challenges. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States, with age being a primary risk factor, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As Biden navigates this personal health battle, his office has requested privacy while assuring the public that updates on his condition will be provided as appropriate. The former president, known for his resilience and public service spanning decades, now faces one of his most formidable challenges yet.