Former President Joe Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer

Washington, D.C. — May 18, 2025 Former President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, according to a statement released by his office. The diagnosis was made after Biden sought medical attention for worsening urinary symptoms, leading to the discovery of a prostate nodule and subsequent evaluation. His medical team characterized the cancer with a high Gleason score of 9, indicating a high-grade, fast-growing malignancy.

Details of the Diagnosis

Biden’s cancer is classified as hormone-sensitive, which doctors say allows for more effective management of the disease. Hormone therapies, chemotherapy, and radiation are among the treatment options being considered. Despite the cancer’s advanced stage (metastatic, or Stage 4), recent advances in cancer treatment offer hope for prolonging life and managing symptoms.

A spokesperson for Biden confirmed that this is his first cancer diagnosis and clarified that he had not undergone a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test since 2014. Current medical guidelines often recommend against routine PSA screening for men over 70, but experts note that aggressive prostate cancers can sometimes develop rapidly and evade early detection, even with regular screenings.

Political and Public Reactions

The announcement has prompted an outpouring of support from across the political spectrum. Former President Donald Trump expressed sympathy, wishing Biden a “fast and successful recovery.” Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff, along with international leaders such as India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, also extended their well-wishes.

Biden’s health has long been a subject of public scrutiny, intensified by recent political debates and the release of a new book, Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, which alleges that the extent of Biden’s physical and mental decline was concealed during his presidency. Critics have questioned whether signs of illness were missed or withheld, while others, including Representative Greg Murphy, a urologist, have urged against politicizing the diagnosis.

Biden’s Legacy and Advocacy

Biden has been a prominent advocate for cancer research, notably launching the Cancer Moonshot initiative during his vice presidency. The cause is deeply personal; his son Beau Biden died of brain cancer in 2015. In a statement, Biden reflected, “Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places.”

Ongoing Discussions

The diagnosis comes as debates about Biden’s legacy continue. Supporters highlight his legislative achievements, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, while critics focus on controversies surrounding his administration’s transparency and his health. As Biden and his family review treatment options, the nation and global leaders continue to offer support, underscoring the broad impact of his diagnosis on public discourse and political life.

Medical Perspective

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the U.S. after skin cancer. While the five-year survival rate is high for localized cases, it drops significantly—to about 37%—when the disease has spread to distant organs, as in Biden’s case. Nonetheless, experts emphasize that hormone-sensitive metastatic prostate cancer can be managed with modern therapies, offering hope for quality of life and extended survival.

Biden and his family are currently evaluating treatment options with his physicians. Further updates are expected as his care plan develops.