Biden Diagnosed With Aggressive Prostate Cancer

Monday 19 May 2025 - 07:30

By: Zahouani Ilham

Biden Diagnosed With Aggressive Prostate Cancer

Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an advanced and aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, according to a statement from his office. The 82-year-old was diagnosed last Friday after doctors discovered a nodule during a medical check-up prompted by worsening urinary symptoms.

Despite the seriousness of the condition, the cancer is reported to be hormone-sensitive, meaning that it can still be managed with appropriate treatment. Biden and his family are currently exploring treatment options with his medical team.

Biden’s age and health have been significant concerns for American voters. His physical condition became more visible during the 2024 campaign, especially after a shaky performance in the first presidential debate in June of that year. The pressure that followed ultimately led him to step down from his re-election campaign. Vice President Kamala Harris was then nominated as the Democratic candidate, but she lost to Donald Trump in the general election.

Trump, a persistent critic of Biden, responded to the news with an unexpected note of sympathy, wishing Biden a swift recovery. Harris also shared her support, praising Biden’s strength and resilience, saying he would face this new battle as he always has with courage and hope.

Barack Obama, under whom Biden served as vice president, expressed admiration for Biden’s commitment to cancer research and said he believes Biden will face this illness with determination and dignity.

The cancer revelation comes at a time when Biden’s decision to seek a second term continues to draw criticism. An upcoming book titled Original Sin, by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, outlines allegations that Biden’s aides tried to hide his declining physical and mental health from the public. Among the claims are reports that Biden did not recognize actor George Clooney at a fundraiser and that his team considered whether he might need a wheelchair during a second term.

Earlier this month, Biden denied suffering from cognitive decline during an interview, saying he withdrew from the race to avoid dividing the Democratic Party.

On the same day the diagnosis was announced, Senator Chris Murphy admitted that Democrats should have planned earlier for a stronger campaign strategy.

Biden’s cancer was graded 9 on the Gleason scale, placing it among the most severe forms. While early-stage prostate cancer has a high survival rate, advanced cases like Biden’s have a five-year survival rate of around 28 percent. Treating cancer that has spread to different parts of the body is considerably more complex.

Biden has a personal connection to cancer, having lost his son Beau Biden to brain cancer in 2015.