Former President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, as announced by his personal office on Sunday. He’s currently exploring treatment options.
The diagnosis followed a routine medical checkup earlier this month, during which a “small nodule” was found near Biden’s prostate. This discovery prompted further evaluation, according to a spokesman speaking with news outlets.
Last week, Biden sought medical attention concerning his urinary symptoms and the nodule. On Friday, it was confirmed that he has prostate cancer, with indications that the cells have spread to his bones.
Prostate cancer is assessed using the Gleason score, which ranges from 1 to 10. Biden’s score is reported to be 9, indicating a highly aggressive cancer.
This type of cancer is the second most prevalent among men in the US, following skin cancer. Statistics suggest that one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with over 313,000 new cases expected this year.
Prostate cancer arises when normal prostate cells begin to grow abnormally and uncontrollably, potentially forming tumors. Symptoms can include frequent urination, difficulty starting or stopping urine flow, pain, and even blood in the urine. However, these can also be linked to other medical issues.
Experts note that early warning signs of prostate cancer are quite uncommon and the disease can remain undetected for years since tumors often don’t cause pain until they grow significantly.
Typically, screening for prostate cancer is recommended around the age of 50 or 55, with screenings usually discontinuing after 70.
If diagnosed early, many treatment options are available. Yet, when cancer has spread beyond the prostate, it becomes more challenging to treat effectively. Despite this, there are still ways to slow down its progression. Treatment methods may include surgery, various forms of radiation, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy.
According to health experts, if caught early, about 99% of patients will live at least five years following their diagnosis. The survival rate drops to around 32% if the cancer has metastasized.
A statement from Biden’s office indicated that while his diagnosis is concerning, it remains hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management. “The president and his family are discussing treatment options with his doctor,” it added.
Biden previously had lesions removed from his chest during a physical in 2023, which were identified as basal cell carcinoma. Two years prior, a polyp removed from his colon was found to be benign but was also flagged as potentially cancerous.
In 2022, Biden prioritized a “Cancer Moonshot” initiative aimed at reducing cancer mortality rates by 50% over the next 25 years, continuing his efforts from his vice presidency following the death of his son, Beau, from cancer.
