Former US president Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, a statement from his office said on Sunday.
Joe Biden, 82, was diagnosed on Friday after he saw a doctor last week for urinary symptoms.
The cancer is characterized by a Gleason score of 9. It has metastasized to the bone, according to his office. This indicates a more aggressive form of the disease.
Joe Biden and his family are said to be reviewing treatment options, the statement said. The former president’s office added that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, meaning it can likely be managed.
Health Concerns Following 2024 Election Exit
The news comes nearly a year after the former president was forced to drop out of the 2024 US presidential election over concerns about his health and age. He is the oldest person to hold the office in US history.
Joe Biden, then the Democratic nominee vying for re-election, faced mounting criticism of his poor performance in a June televised debate against Republican nominee and current president Donald Trump. He was replaced as the Democratic candidate by his vice president Kamala Harris.
Medical Implications of Gleason Score 9
According to Cancer Research UK, Joe Biden’s diagnosis of prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9 classifies his illness as “high-grade.” This means the cancer cells are likely to spread quickly.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in older men. While some cases progress slowly and are treatable, others, such as Biden’s, are more aggressive. These can spread beyond the prostate to other organs or bones. A Gleason score of 9 indicates highly abnormal cancer cells that are likely to grow and spread at a faster rate.
Treatment and Outlook of Joe Biden
Despite the serious nature of the diagnosis, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer typically responds to hormone therapy, which can slow the disease’s progression. Biden’s team is reportedly consulting leading oncologists to decide the most effective course of treatment moving forward.
The former president is expected to release further updates on his condition in the coming weeks.
