Former President Joe Biden’s personal office announced in a statement that he has been diagnosed with “aggressive” prostate cancer, after seeing a doctor last week. Wall Street Journal reporter Ken Thomas was the first to report the news.
The statement read: “Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms, 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 continued. “While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”.
According to the National Cancer Institute: “a Gleason score of 9 indicates a high-grade, aggressive form of prostate cancer. It further indicates that the cancer cells look very different from normal prostate cells and are likely to grow and spread rapidly. This would place the cancer in the Grade Group 5, the highest-risk category, which is associated with a greater likelihood of metastasis and a more challenging prognosis. Yet despite the cancer’s apparent aggressiveness, its hormone-sensitive nature offers a viable treatment pathway.”
Biden, 82, is currently at his home in Wilmington, Delaware, per NBC NEWS, but it is unclear where the former president will receive treatment. A spokesperson for Biden had last shared an update on his health update in a statement to ABC News on Tuesday, May 13, saying at the time that “in a routine physical exam a small nodule was found in the prostate which necessitated further evaluation.”
President Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday afternoon after the news of Biden’s diagnosis broke: “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris also posted on X: “Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time. Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.” Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, additionally posted his support for the former President in a separate post on X writing: “Sending love and strength to my friend @JoeBiden.”
Former State Secretary Hillary Clinton wrote on social media: “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, full recovery.”
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