Former President Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer: Treatment Options Being Reviewed
Former President Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer: Treatment Options Being Reviewed
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 personal office on Sunday, May 18, 2025. The diagnosis comes just months after Biden left office, having decided not to seek re-election in the 2024 presidential race.
The Diagnosis Details
The statement from Biden’s office revealed that the former president was initially seen for “a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms” last week. Following medical evaluation, Biden received a formal diagnosis on Friday, May 16.
“On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone,” the statement read. Medical experts note that a Gleason score of 9 represents one of the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
Despite the severity of the diagnosis, Biden’s team offered a note of cautious optimism: “While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management.”
Treatment Plans Under Consideration
According to the statement, “The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.” A source familiar with the situation told NBC News that Biden and his family are considering “multiple treatment options,” including hormone therapy, which is often effective for hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.
The former president is reportedly at his home in Wilmington, Delaware, where he has been since receiving the diagnosis. No public appearances have been scheduled as the Biden family focuses on medical consultations and treatment planning.
Bipartisan Support and Well-Wishes
The news of Biden’s diagnosis has prompted an outpouring of support from across the political spectrum, with current and former officials setting aside partisan differences to offer well-wishes.
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Joe for a fast and successful recovery.”
Vice President Kamala Harris released a statement saying, “Joe is a fighter. I’m thinking of the Bidens as they take on cancer, a disease they’ve done so much to try to spare other families from. Wishing you a speedy, successful recovery.”
Former President Barack Obama also offered encouragement, highlighting Biden’s personal connection to cancer advocacy following the loss of his son Beau to brain cancer in 2015.
Biden’s Personal Connection to Cancer Advocacy
Biden’s cancer diagnosis carries particular poignancy given his long-standing commitment to cancer research and prevention. Following the death of his son Beau from brain cancer in 2015, Biden launched the Cancer Moonshot initiative during his vice presidency under the Obama administration.
The initiative was reestablished in 2022 during Biden’s presidency with the ambitious goal of reducing cancer death rates by at least 50% over the next 25 years and improving the experience of people and their families living with and surviving cancer.
In January 2025, just before leaving office, Biden announced expanded funding for the Cancer Moonshot, including new initiatives specifically targeting early detection and addressing disparities in cancer outcomes among Black men and veterans.
“I know we can cut cancer deaths by at least 50% in the next 25 years,” Biden said during his final Cancer Moonshot event as president. “It’s not just personal — it’s about what’s possible.”
Biden’s Health History
This diagnosis adds to Biden’s significant medical history, which includes several serious health challenges throughout his life:
- In 1988, Biden underwent emergency surgery for a brain aneurysm that nearly claimed his life, followed by a second aneurysm surgery three months later
- In 2003, he had his gallbladder removed
- In March 2023, he had a basal cell carcinoma (a common form of skin cancer) removed from his chest, which required no additional treatment
Throughout his presidency, Biden underwent regular comprehensive health assessments, with his physician consistently declaring him fit for office despite ongoing scrutiny about his age and health.
What’s Next for the Former President
As Biden begins this new health challenge, he has temporarily stepped back from public engagements. Prior to his diagnosis, the former president had begun gradually returning to public life, including an appearance on ABC’s “The View” with First Lady Jill Biden earlier this month.
During that appearance, Biden addressed questions about his health, pushing back on suggestions about cognitive decline during his presidency. “They are wrong,” Biden stated. “There is nothing to sustain that.”
Medical experts note that treatment options for Biden’s condition typically include hormone therapy, radiation, and potentially chemotherapy, depending on how the cancer responds to initial treatments.
The Impact on Biden’s Legacy
Biden’s cancer diagnosis comes at a time when the former president has been reflecting on his legacy after decades in public service. Having served as a senator, vice president, and president, Biden’s most recent focus has been on establishing frameworks for his post-presidential activities, including the continuation of his cancer advocacy work.
The diagnosis may further cement Biden’s connection to cancer advocacy, potentially bringing renewed attention to the Cancer Moonshot initiative and other cancer research efforts he championed throughout his career.
As the Biden family navigates this difficult time, Americans across the political spectrum have united in offering support and prayers for the former president’s recovery, highlighting how health challenges can transcend partisan divides even in today’s polarized political climate.
References
[1] Statement from the Office of Former President Biden, May 18, 2025.
[2] “Former President Joe Biden diagnosed with prostate cancer,” NPR, May 18, 2025.
[3] “Biden Is Diagnosed With an Aggressive Form of Prostate Cancer,” The New York Times, May 18, 2025.
[4] “Biden’s cancer diagnosis prompts bipartisan support,” The Hill, May 18, 2025.
[5] “The Biden Cancer Moonshot: Ending Cancer As We Know It,” White House Archives, January 15, 2025.
[6] “Former US President Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive form’ of prostate cancer,” Reuters, May 18, 2025.
[7] “Trump wishes Biden ‘fast and successful recovery’ after cancer diagnosis,” The Hill, May 18, 2025.
[8] “Biden announces $150 million in research grants for his Cancer Moonshot initiative,” Associated Press, August 13, 2024.
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