Former US President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, his office confirmed on Sunday. The diagnosis followed a medical examination last week prompted by urinary symptoms.
Doctors have classified the cancer as high-grade, with a Gleason score of 9 out of 10, indicating a potentially aggressive form of the disease. Cancer Research UK notes that such scores suggest rapid cell spread is possible.
Mr. Biden and his family are now considering treatment options. His office stated the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which offers potential for management.
This news comes nearly a year after Mr. Biden withdrew from the 2024 US presidential election amid concerns over his health and advanced age. As the oldest person to hold the US presidency, his withdrawal followed criticism of his performance in a televised debate with Republican nominee, and current President, Donald Trump. Vice President Kamala Harris subsequently replaced him as the Democratic candidate.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, prostate cancer is a common malignancy affecting men. US health data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that approximately 13 in every 100 men will develop the disease at some point in their lives, with age being the most significant risk factor.
Since leaving the White House, Mr. Biden has largely remained out of the public eye, although he has made a few recent appearances. In April, he delivered a keynote address at a Chicago conference for the Advocates, Counsellors, and Representatives for the Disabled. He also gave his first post-presidency interview to the BBC in May, describing his decision to step down from the 2024 race as “difficult”.
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