Former US President Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive' prostate cancer

Washington, D.C. Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer that has metastasised to the bone, according to a statement released by his personal office.

Biden, 82, underwent further medical testing last week following the detection of a prostate nodule. Doctors have confirmed the cancer has a Gleason score of 9, indicating a more aggressive form of the disease. The Gleason score is used to assess the severity of prostate cancer based on how abnormal the cancer cells appear under a microscope.

“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management,” the statement said. It added that Biden and his family are currently evaluating treatment options.

Prostate cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths for men in the United States and is the most commonly diagnosed cancer after non-melanoma skin cancers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Biden left office in January, having completed one term as president. Amid increasing concerns over his age, he announced last summer that he would not seek re-election in 2024, endorsing then-Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate.

During his tenure as vice president, Biden spearheaded the Cancer Moonshot initiative, a programme launched under President Barack Obama in 2016, one year after the death of Biden's son, Beau, from brain cancer. Upon assuming the presidency, Biden reignited the initiative, pledging to significantly reduce cancer mortality rates in the United States.

“We can do this. I promise you, we can do this,” Biden said during a White House event in 2022. “All those we lost, all those we miss — we can end cancer as we know it.”

Former President Donald Trump responded to the news on Sunday via a post on Truth Social, writing: “We are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”

Vice President Kamala Harris also shared a message of support on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”