Joe Biden Makes First Public Appearance Amid Cancer Treatment

On Saturday, Joe Biden, looking notably frail, marked his first public outing since the announcement of his prostate cancer treatment. He attended evening Mass at St. Joseph on the Brandywine, a Roman Catholic church he’s frequented for many years.

The 82-year-old former president was seen walking slowly after the hour-long service, leaning on a woman for support.

Visible above his right eye was a significant scar from recent skin cancer surgery as he greeted fellow parishioners outside the church following the 50-minute Mass.

Biden, clad in a dark suit, engaged in quiet conversations with several attendees for around 10 minutes before leaving solo—his wife, Jill Biden, did not join him for the service.

This was his first public appearance since it was revealed last week that he had started five weeks of radiation and hormone therapy for stage 4 prostate cancer, which has spread to his bones.

According to representatives, the treatment is anticipated to span about five weeks.

Doctors classified the cancer as aggressive, assigning it a Gleason score of 9, although it is hormone-sensitive and manageable with medication and radiation. For context, the Gleason scale ranges up to 10.

The term “high-grade” indicates that the cancer cells markedly differ from normal cells, leading to more aggressive behavior and a higher likelihood of spreading.

Reports indicate that Biden is currently receiving hormone therapy and undergoing treatment.

His diagnosis became known after Biden experienced urinary issues earlier this year, prompting doctors to find a small nodule on his prostate.

Apart from prostate cancer, he has undergone two surgeries for skin cancer, the most recent one last month to remove a lesion from his forehead, leaving a visible mark.

Earlier in 2023, he had a cancerous tumor excised from his chest, but doctors initially stated that treatment was effective and no further measures were necessary.

The subject of Biden’s health and age has sparked significant political debate during his final year in office.

Since leaving the White House in January, he has maintained a low profile, mostly sharing medical updates and making limited public appearances.

Despite still undergoing treatment, aides have mentioned that he intends to participate in two upcoming events: an awards ceremony and an awards show in Boston.