Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive type of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, his office said in a statement posted Sunday afternoon.
The statement comes after weeks of mounting rumors about his health and is a dark moment in American politics.
The diagnosis was established on Friday, when physicians detected a tiny lump on Biden’s prostate during a test triggered by increased urine complaints. The official announcement assigned the malignancy a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating a high-grade tumor.
While the cancer is dangerous, it is allegedly hormone-sensitive, which suggests that there may be viable therapy options.
Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support. pic.twitter.com/oSS1vGIiwU
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 19, 2025
Biden, 82, broke his silence on social media with a message of thankfulness and perseverance, writing, X: “Cancer affects everyone. Jill and I, like so many of you, have discovered that we are most powerful at our darkest moments. Thank you for showing us love and support.”
Biden, who left office in January, has long been questioned about his age and suitability for another presidential term. His re-election campaign was eventually abandoned following a critically panned debate performance against Donald Trump in June.
Reactions throughout the political spectrum.
Support and well-wishes have come from all sides of the political spectrum. Former President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social, “Melania and I are saddened to learn of Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis.” We express our warmest and best wishes to Jill and her family, as well as to Joe’s speedy and healthy recovery.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris also expressed her support, saying, “Joe is a fighter, and I am confident he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership.” We wish for a full and rapid recovery.”
Rep. Ro Khanna of California, a former campaign surrogate, said, X: “Praying for @JoeBiden and his family to overcome the illness he was recently diagnosed with.” He and Jill have always been fighters, and I am confident they will face this challenge with grit and grace.”
Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time. Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and… pic.twitter.com/gG5nB0GMPp
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) May 18, 2025
Public leaders from both parties, like Meghan McCain and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, sent their sympathies and shared personal stories about how illness has touched their own families.
A personal fight.
Cancer has influenced much of Biden’s recent public life. Owing to the loss of his son Beau to brain cancer in 2015, Biden announced the “Cancer Moonshot,” a broad endeavor to accelerate cancer research and treatment. As president, he was a strong supporter of increasing access to care and furthering the science of cancer therapy.
Prostate cancer is one of the most frequent types of cancer in men, particularly in older men, and the prognosis varies depending on how early it is found and how far it has progressed.
The Biden family is currently discussing treatment options with their doctors. More details will be provided in the following days…