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Former U.S. President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. His office announced the news on Sunday following a recent medical check-up. Biden sought medical advice last week after noticing worsening urinary symptoms, which led to further tests and the confirmed diagnosis on Friday.

Doctors found the cancer to be high-grade, with a Gleason score of 9 out of 10. According to cancer experts, this score shows rapid tumor growth and a higher chance the cancer has spread. The diagnosis also revealed bone metastasis, but the cancer is hormone-sensitive, offering a path for effective treatment.

Biden and Family Consider Treatment Options

Biden and his family are reviewing treatment strategies as doctors recommend hormone therapy to manage the disease. His office said the hormone-sensitive cancer type gives hope for good control of the illness.

The diagnosis came after Biden reported urinary problems. During tests, physicians found a prostate nodule, which led to further evaluation and confirmation of Grade Group 5 cancer with bone involvement.

Political Leaders Show Support

Leaders from across the political spectrum have sent messages of support. Former President Donald Trump expressed sadness and wished Biden and his family well on Truth Social. Trump and former First Lady Melania extended their good wishes, especially to Jill Biden.

Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden’s former deputy, shared on X that she and her husband are praying for a quick recovery. She praised Biden as a determined fighter who faces challenges with courage.

Barack Obama also offered thoughts and prayers, praising Biden’s long-standing commitment to cancer research. Obama appointed Biden in 2016 to lead a national initiative aimed at advancing cancer treatments.

Global Leaders Express Sympathy

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer sent condolences and wished Biden strength during treatment, highlighting the worldwide respect for the former U.S. president.

Health Concerns and Political Context

This update comes nearly a year after Biden ended his 2024 presidential campaign amid health and age concerns. He withdrew shortly after a difficult debate with Donald Trump, and Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee.

Biden’s Role in Cancer Research

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men after skin cancer. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says about 13 in 100 men will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime, with age being a major risk factor.

Dr. William Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer of the American Cancer Society, described Biden’s cancer as highly aggressive based on public information. He explained that bone metastasis means the disease is not curable but can often be controlled for years with treatment. Hormone therapy usually helps reduce symptoms and slow cancer growth.

Life After the Presidency

Since leaving office, Biden has kept a low profile. He spoke publicly in April at a disability advocacy event in Chicago and gave an in-depth interview in May reflecting on his decision to leave the 2024 race. He also denied any claims of cognitive decline during his final presidential year.

Personal Motivation in Cancer Fight

Biden’s dedication to cancer research is deeply personal. In 2015, his son Beau died from brain cancer, which shaped Biden’s healthcare work. In 2022, he and Jill Biden relaunched the “cancer moonshot” initiative to cut cancer deaths by over four million by 2047.

This diagnosis marks a new chapter in Biden’s life and fight against cancer, with many watching closely as he begins treatment.