Former U.S. President Faces Health Battle at 82
On May 18, 2025, former U.S. President Joe Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, according to an official statement released by his office. The discovery followed a recent medical examination after Biden reported increasing urinary symptoms.
Diagnosis and Medical Findings
Doctors found a nodule on Biden’s prostate, and subsequent testing confirmed the presence of high-grade cancer. The diagnosis included a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), which indicates a highly aggressive and potentially fast-spreading form of the disease.
Despite the advanced stage, the cancer is reportedly hormone-sensitive, which opens the door to effective hormone-based therapies that could slow its progression.
What is a Gleason Score?
The Gleason scoring system is used to grade prostate cancer based on how abnormal the cells look under a microscope. A score of 9 out of 10 suggests that the cancer is very likely to spread rapidly if not treated aggressively.
Medical Expert Insights
Dr. William Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer at the American Cancer Society, noted that while metastatic cancer to the bones is typically not curable, patients often respond well to treatment. Biden is likely to undergo hormonal therapy to manage symptoms and inhibit cancer growth.
“People can live many years with this diagnosis, especially if treatment starts early and the cancer is hormone-sensitive,” said Dr. Dahut.
Political and Public Reactions
Leaders from across the political spectrum offered messages of support.
- Former President Donald Trump expressed sympathy via Truth Social, sending “warmest and best wishes” to Joe Biden and his family.
- Vice President Kamala Harris praised Joe Biden’s strength, calling him a fighter with resilience and optimism.
- Barack Obama highlighted Biden’s past work in cancer research, saying: “Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer than Joe.”
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also wished Biden a swift recovery.
Joe Biden’s Cancer Advocacy Legacy
Biden has been a long-time advocate for cancer research. In 2016, he led the “Cancer Moonshot” initiative, aimed at accelerating efforts to cure cancer. He and First Lady Jill Biden relaunched this initiative in 2022 with the goal of preventing over four million cancer deaths by 2047.
Biden’s personal connection to the cause is profound—his eldest son, Beau Biden, died of brain cancer in 2015.
Stepping Down from the 2024 Race
Joe Biden’s health has been a topic of public concern for years. After a poor debate performance in June 2024, he ended his bid for re-election and was replaced as the Democratic nominee by Kamala Harris. His declining visibility and physical condition were among the factors that influenced his decision to step back from the political spotlight.
A Difficult but Determined Fight Ahead
Although Joe Biden is now largely retired from public life, the latest diagnosis marks a major chapter in his life. His family, supporters, and political colleagues are standing by him as he prepares for a challenging health battle.
His decades of leadership and commitment to public service continue to inspire many, and the outpouring of support reflects the deep respect he commands across the political divide.
