By Lydia Kane, Senior Correspondent
On May 18, 2025, former President Joe Biden, 82, publicly revealed that he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The condition is marked by a high Gleason score of 9, indicating a fast-growing cancer, and has already spread to his bones. Despite the severity of the diagnosis, Biden’s medical team expressed cautious optimism due to the cancer’s hormone sensitivity, which opens the door for effective treatment options. In a heartfelt message shared via social media, Biden thanked the public for their support and reflected on the personal toll of the diagnosis.
Discovery and Diagnosis
The former president’s condition was discovered during a routine physical examination earlier this year. Doctors identified a small, abnormal nodule in his prostate, which led to further diagnostic imaging and biopsy procedures. The results confirmed the presence of prostate cancer, and additional scans showed that the disease had metastasized to his skeletal system—an indicator of stage 4 cancer.
Biden’s Gleason score of 9 reflects a particularly aggressive and fast-spreading form of the disease. The Gleason scale, ranging from 6 to 10, measures the severity of prostate cancer based on how abnormal the cancer cells appear under a microscope. A score of 9 suggests high-grade cancer with a strong likelihood of rapid growth and spread.
Treatment Options and Medical Outlook
Despite the advanced stage of the cancer, Biden’s medical team has indicated that it remains responsive to hormone therapy—a treatment that targets and reduces levels of male hormones that prostate cancer cells need to grow. This type of cancer, known as hormone-sensitive metastatic prostate cancer, can be managed for several years with the appropriate combination of medications and monitoring.
While not considered curable at this stage, advancements in prostate cancer research have significantly improved outcomes for patients diagnosed with hormone-sensitive variants. Treatments may include hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and newer approaches like targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
Doctors treating the former president noted that his overall health and active lifestyle place him in a favorable position to handle the rigors of ongoing treatment. Biden has reportedly begun therapy and will undergo regular assessments to monitor the disease’s progression and treatment response.
Public and Political Reactions
Biden’s announcement drew widespread support from political leaders across party lines, as well as from global figures and members of the public. Former political rivals, including those from the Republican Party, issued messages of goodwill and encouragement. Several notable figures praised Biden’s courage in going public with his diagnosis, citing the move as a way to raise awareness about the importance of cancer screening and early detection.
The announcement also prompted a renewed national conversation about men’s health, especially for those over the age of 50. Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers among men, yet many cases go undiagnosed until they reach an advanced stage.
A Legacy of Cancer Advocacy
Biden’s history with cancer advocacy dates back decades, notably influenced by the loss of his son Beau Biden to brain cancer in 2015. As vice president, Biden led the “Cancer Moonshot” initiative, which aimed to accelerate cancer research and improve patient outcomes. In his post-presidency years, he continued to champion cancer awareness and research funding.
His latest health development reinforces the urgency of this mission and serves as a reminder of the indiscriminate nature of the disease. Biden has expressed his intention to continue public service and advocacy, stating that he remains hopeful and committed to using his experience to inspire others battling cancer.
