Joe Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer, Faces Treatment Options

WILMINGTON, Del. — Former President Joe Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer, his office announced Sunday. The diagnosis came after Biden underwent evaluation for a prostate nodule due to increasing urinary symptoms.

Biden’s Gleason score is 9, indicating an aggressive form of the disease that has metastasized to the bone. “While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,” his office stated.

In light of the diagnosis, Biden and his family are consulting with physicians about multiple treatment options, including hormone therapy. “The President is at home in Wilmington, Delaware, but it’s unclear where he will undergo treatment,” a source familiar with the situation said.

Dr. Alan Tan, a genitourinary cancer specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, commented on the diagnosis, saying, “Gleason 9 is, by definition, aggressive, but you don’t know how bad it is unless you know what the PET scan looks like.” He noted that most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it.

Dr. Chris George, a prostate cancer expert at Northwestern Medicine, emphasized the importance of a hormone-sensitive diagnosis. “If Biden responds to treatment, he could live for years as the treatment keeps the disease in check,” George said.

Political leaders have expressed their support for Biden. Former President Donald Trump stated he was “saddened” by the news and wished Biden a “fast and successful recovery.” Similarly, former Vice President Kamala Harris expressed her prayers for Biden and his family.

Barack Obama also shared his hopes for Biden’s recovery, stating, “Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer than Joe.”

About one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, a common condition among older men. The cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American men, following lung cancer. Biden, at 82 years old, is the oldest sitting president in U.S. history.

Experts recommend prostate-specific antigen tests for men over 70, but some may benefit from earlier screening. Dr. Kavita Patel noted that Biden’s role as a high-profile public figure likely warranted increased screening due to potential benefits.

Biden has initiated several health initiatives during his presidency aimed at reducing cancer deaths. As he begins this new chapter in his health journey, many across the nation await updates on his treatment and recovery.