Former President Joseph R. Biden Jr. received a diagnosis on Friday indicating an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, according to a statement released by his office on Sunday.
The diagnosis followed Mr. Biden reporting urinary issues, which prompted doctors to detect a “small nodule” on his prostate. His cancer is categorized as having a “Gleason score of 9” along with “metastasis to the bone,” as stated.
The Gleason score serves to describe the microscopic appearance of prostate cancers, with scores of 9 and 10 indicating the most aggressive forms. The cancer is classified as Stage 4, meaning it has spread.
“While this denotes a more aggressive type of the disease, it appears hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management,” the unsigned statement from Mr. Biden’s office noted. “The president and his family are exploring treatment options with his medical team.”
At 82, Mr. Biden concluded his presidency in January, making history as the oldest-serving president. Throughout his term, questions surrounding his age and health persisted, ultimately leading him to step back from his re-election efforts amid pressure from his own party.
Experts in prostate cancer consider Mr. Biden’s diagnosis significant; cancer that has spread to the bones is typically incurable. However, Dr. Judd Moul, a prostate cancer specialist at Duke University, mentioned that men with such diagnoses can live for five, seven, ten years, or even longer.
The primary treatment approach is to block testosterone, which fuels prostate cancer. Dr. Moul explained that in the 1980s, this involved surgical removal of the testicles, but today, patients can choose between injectable drugs that inhibit testosterone production or a pill with similar effects. Additionally, medications are available to block any testosterone that may still be produced.
Dr. Moul noted that he regularly sees patients of Mr. Biden’s age with comparable diagnoses. “Survival rates have nearly tripled over the last decade,” he added.
Former President Trump, who has frequently criticized Mr. Biden, expressed supportive sentiments on Sunday evening.
“Melania and I are deeply saddened by Joe Biden’s recent health diagnosis,” Mr. Trump shared on social media. “We send our warmest wishes to Jill and the family, hoping for Joe’s swift and successful recovery.”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who served alongside Mr. Biden, stated that she and her husband were “saddened” upon learning about his diagnosis.
“Joe is a fighter — and I am confident he will confront this challenge with the strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership,” she stated on social media. “We remain hopeful for a full and rapid recovery.”
Since his departure from office, Mr. Biden has mostly maintained a low profile, spending time in Delaware while commuting to Washington for meetings to strategize his post-presidential future. After Mr. Trump surpassed the 100-day milestone, and as books about his presidency and 2024 campaign began to surface, Mr. Biden engaged in interviews to counter claims regarding his mental acuity.
“They are mistaken,” Mr. Biden asserted during an interview on “The View.” “There’s no basis for that.”
He also mentioned that he could have defeated Mr. Trump had he not exited the race.
However, many prominent Democrats are grappling with their unwavering support for Mr. Biden’s re-election campaign following a poorly received debate last June, where he appeared disoriented and fatigued. After exiting the race, Mr. Biden endorsed Ms. Harris, who subsequently lost to Mr. Trump.
Adding to the scrutiny was the recent release of audio from Mr. Biden’s 2023 interview with Robert K. Hur, the special counsel who investigated his handling of classified documents. Axios published the complete five-hour recording, which revealed Mr. Biden’s halting speech and challenges in recalling dates and details.
Mr. Hur ultimately opted not to recommend charges against Mr. Biden, partly believing that a jury would view the president as a “sympathetic, well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory.”
In February 2024, while still serving as president, his longtime physician deemed him “fit to serve” after a routine physical examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
The Biden family has faced numerous health challenges over the years. In 1988, Mr. Biden underwent treatment for two brain aneurysms that nearly ended his political career. His son Beau passed away in 2015 from glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
When asked in January, shortly before his departure from office, whether he would have had the energy to serve another four years, Mr. Biden expressed uncertainty.
“Who knows? So far, so good,” he commented in an interview with USA Today. “But who can predict what I’ll be like at 86 years old?”