Joe Biden Diagnosed with Bone-Spread Prostate Cancer

Joe Biden has recently been diagnosed with a more aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to the bones. His office released a statement on Sunday indicating that Biden and his family are currently exploring treatment options.

The statement noted, “This represents a more aggressive form of disease, but cancer is hormone sensitive and allows for effective management.” It seems they are working closely with his physician to find the best approach.

Biden’s prostate cancer has received a Gleason score of 9, which indicates a highly aggressive type of the disease. Prostate cancer often metastasizes to the bones, making it more challenging to treat compared to localized cases.

However, since prostate cancer depends on hormones for growth, it can respond well to treatments that limit hormone availability, which is something Biden may consider.

At 82 years old, Biden previously won the presidential election against Donald Trump in 2020 and had expressed interest in a rematch. Yet, amid concerns regarding his age and mental acuity, he stepped back from the race, supporting his vice president, Kamala Harris.

Trump, who is three years younger than Biden, won against Harris in the following November election and resumed his position in the White House in January.

Biden has faced cancer prior to this diagnosis. Before taking office, he underwent surgery to remove non-melanoma skin cancers and also had cancerous lesions excised from his chest in February 2023.

Prostate cancer is notably the most prevalent cancer in the U.S. and ranks as the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men, according to the American Cancer Society.

In 2022, Biden prioritized the “Cancer Moonshot” initiative, aiming to reduce cancer mortality rates by 50% over the next 25 years. This effort builds on his previous work as vice president, particularly in memory of his late son, Beau, who succumbed to cancer.