Former President Biden Diagnosed with Advanced Prostate Cancer Months After Leaving Office

Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, just about four months after stepping down from office.

According to a statement released on Sunday by his spokesperson, Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. The former president and his family are currently reviewing treatment options.

The statement noted that Biden underwent testing after worsening urinary symptoms last week revealed nodules on the prostate. He was officially diagnosed with prostate cancer on May 16. The malignancy of prostate cancer is measured using the Gleason score, which ranges from 1 to 10, with higher scores indicating more aggressive cancer. Biden scored 9 (Grade Group 5), which signifies a highly aggressive form of the disease.

Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in older men. While it can remain confined to the prostate and cause minimal harm in its early stages, certain aggressive forms—like in Biden’s case—can rapidly spread to other parts of the body, including the bones.

Treatment Options Under Review, Political Figures Offer Condolences

Biden’s team stated that because the cancer is hormone-sensitive, it is expected to be manageable with effective treatment. The former president and his family are working closely with medical professionals to determine the best course of action.

Now 82, Biden faced ongoing questions about his health during his presidency.

In June 2024, while seeking re-election, Biden drew concern after appearing notably frail during a debate with former President Donald Trump. The controversy ultimately led to his withdrawal from the race, and then-Vice President Kamala Harris stepped in as the Democratic nominee.

More recently, controversy reignited following the release of a book by reporters from CNN and Axios, which claimed Biden’s campaign staff had been aware of his severe physical and cognitive decline during the 2024 election but concealed it to push forward with his re-election bid.

Following news of Biden’s cancer diagnosis, leading Republican lawmakers expressed their sympathy.

Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) wrote on social media that she was deeply saddened to hear of President Biden’s diagnosis and wished him and his family strength as he begins treatment.

Senator Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) also expressed sorrow upon learning of Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis and said he is praying for his full recovery.