Joe Biden’s recent health concern might not be so small after all—Doctors reveal a new aggressive diagnosis
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The news has sent shockwaves through the nation: Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that has already spread to his bones.
For many Americans, this announcement hits close to home. Prostate cancer is a reality that touches millions of families, and Biden’s diagnosis is a sobering reminder of the health challenges that can come with age.
But what does this diagnosis really mean? How serious is it, and what are the next steps for the former president and his family?
A Closer Look at Biden’s Diagnosis
According to the official statement, President Biden, 82, was recently evaluated after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms.
A routine physical exam revealed a “small nodule” on his prostate, which led to further testing.
“Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms.” said the statement on his diagnosis.
The results were grave, as it added, “On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.”
What Is a Gleason Score, and Why Does It Matter?
The Gleason score is a grading system used to evaluate the aggressiveness of prostate cancer. It ranges from 6 (less aggressive) to 10 (most aggressive).
A score of 9, as in Biden’s case, indicates a highly aggressive cancer that is more likely to grow and spread quickly.
When prostate cancer metastasizes to the bones, it becomes much more challenging to treat and is considered advanced or stage IV.
Understanding Prostate Cancer in Older Men
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States, and the risk increases with age.
In earlier news: Small health concern noted in Biden’s recent physical exam
According to the American Cancer Society, more than half of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over 65.
While many prostate cancers are slow-growing and may not cause significant problems, aggressive forms like Biden’s require immediate and intensive treatment.
A nodule on the prostate can be benign, but in some cases—as with Biden—it signals a more serious issue. Early detection is key, but even with regular checkups, aggressive cancers can develop and spread rapidly.
What Does “Hormone-Sensitive” Mean?
Biden’s medical team noted that, “While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management.”
This means the cancer cells rely on male hormones (androgens, like testosterone) to grow. The good news is that hormone-sensitive prostate cancers often respond well to treatments that lower or block these hormones, such as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).
While not a cure, these treatments can slow the cancer’s progression and help manage symptoms.
Treatment Options and Next Steps
The statement from Biden’s office says the family is reviewing treatment options with his physicians. For advanced, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, common treatments include:
Also read: What did Jill Biden's “signal” on “The View” to Joe Biden mean?
A Personal Battle for the Biden Family
Cancer is not a new foe for the Biden family. Joe Biden’s son, Beau, died in 2015 at age 46 from glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. Former President Biden claims that this was a consequence of Beau’s exposure to military burn pits during his service in Iraq.
The loss deeply affected the family and inspired Biden’s renewed commitment to cancer research, including his “Cancer Moonshot” initiative back in 2022—an effort he first worked on as Barack Obama’s vice president. This program aims to cut the cancer death rate in half by 2047.
Also check out: The sneaky signs of cancer most men miss—Would you recognize them before it’s too late?
Biden himself has faced other health challenges, including the removal of non-melanoma skin cancers and a cancerous lesion from his chest in 2023.
Despite these setbacks, his doctors declared him “fit to serve” as recently as February 2024.
The Political and Personal Fallout
Biden’s health has been a topic of public debate for years, especially as he became the oldest person ever elected to the presidency.
Concerns about his age and fitness for office ultimately led him to step aside from the 2024 reelection campaign, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris.
The diagnosis has prompted an outpouring of support from across the political spectrum. Former President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump expressed their well wishes, saying they were “saddened to hear” about his cancer diagnosis.
Trump also posted on his Truth Social account last Sunday, which stated, “We wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Vice President Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, also shared their sentiments, saying, “Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him … and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time.”
Source: CBS News / Youtube.
“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.” they also said.
The Biden family is reportedly united and focused on exploring the best possible treatment options.
Read next: Jill Biden “shut down” discussion of Joe’s mental decline, turning into one of the most influential first ladies, claims new book
Have you or someone you love faced a cancer diagnosis? How did you navigate the treatment process, and what advice would you offer others? Do you have questions about prostate cancer, aging, or health screenings? Share your thoughts, stories, and questions in the comments below.
For many Americans, this announcement hits close to home. Prostate cancer is a reality that touches millions of families, and Biden’s diagnosis is a sobering reminder of the health challenges that can come with age.
But what does this diagnosis really mean? How serious is it, and what are the next steps for the former president and his family?
A Closer Look at Biden’s Diagnosis
According to the official statement, President Biden, 82, was recently evaluated after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms.
A routine physical exam revealed a “small nodule” on his prostate, which led to further testing.
“Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms.” said the statement on his diagnosis.
The results were grave, as it added, “On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.”
Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones. Image source: Fox News / Youtube.
What Is a Gleason Score, and Why Does It Matter?
The Gleason score is a grading system used to evaluate the aggressiveness of prostate cancer. It ranges from 6 (less aggressive) to 10 (most aggressive).
A score of 9, as in Biden’s case, indicates a highly aggressive cancer that is more likely to grow and spread quickly.
When prostate cancer metastasizes to the bones, it becomes much more challenging to treat and is considered advanced or stage IV.
Understanding Prostate Cancer in Older Men
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States, and the risk increases with age.
In earlier news: Small health concern noted in Biden’s recent physical exam
According to the American Cancer Society, more than half of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over 65.
While many prostate cancers are slow-growing and may not cause significant problems, aggressive forms like Biden’s require immediate and intensive treatment.
A nodule on the prostate can be benign, but in some cases—as with Biden—it signals a more serious issue. Early detection is key, but even with regular checkups, aggressive cancers can develop and spread rapidly.
What Does “Hormone-Sensitive” Mean?
Biden’s medical team noted that, “While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management.”
The cancer was discovered after a routine physical found a small nodule on his prostate, with a Gleason score of 9 indicating it is highly aggressive. Image source: Fox News / Youtube.
This means the cancer cells rely on male hormones (androgens, like testosterone) to grow. The good news is that hormone-sensitive prostate cancers often respond well to treatments that lower or block these hormones, such as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).
While not a cure, these treatments can slow the cancer’s progression and help manage symptoms.
Treatment Options and Next Steps
The statement from Biden’s office says the family is reviewing treatment options with his physicians. For advanced, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, common treatments include:
- Hormone Therapy: Medications or surgery to reduce testosterone levels.
- Chemotherapy: Drugs that kill rapidly dividing cancer cells.
- Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: Newer treatments that attack cancer cells more precisely or boost the body’s immune response.
- Radiation Therapy: Especially for cancer that has spread to the bones, to relieve pain and control growth.
Also read: What did Jill Biden's “signal” on “The View” to Joe Biden mean?
A Personal Battle for the Biden Family
Cancer is not a new foe for the Biden family. Joe Biden’s son, Beau, died in 2015 at age 46 from glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. Former President Biden claims that this was a consequence of Beau’s exposure to military burn pits during his service in Iraq.
The loss deeply affected the family and inspired Biden’s renewed commitment to cancer research, including his “Cancer Moonshot” initiative back in 2022—an effort he first worked on as Barack Obama’s vice president. This program aims to cut the cancer death rate in half by 2047.
Also check out: The sneaky signs of cancer most men miss—Would you recognize them before it’s too late?
Biden himself has faced other health challenges, including the removal of non-melanoma skin cancers and a cancerous lesion from his chest in 2023.
Despite these setbacks, his doctors declared him “fit to serve” as recently as February 2024.
Biden and his family are currently reviewing treatment options, with the cancer reportedly being hormone-sensitive and potentially manageable. Image source: KARE 11 / Youtube.
The Political and Personal Fallout
Biden’s health has been a topic of public debate for years, especially as he became the oldest person ever elected to the presidency.
Concerns about his age and fitness for office ultimately led him to step aside from the 2024 reelection campaign, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris.
The diagnosis has prompted an outpouring of support from across the political spectrum. Former President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump expressed their well wishes, saying they were “saddened to hear” about his cancer diagnosis.
Trump also posted on his Truth Social account last Sunday, which stated, “We wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Vice President Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, also shared their sentiments, saying, “Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him … and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time.”
Source: CBS News / Youtube.
“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.” they also said.
The Biden family is reportedly united and focused on exploring the best possible treatment options.
Read next: Jill Biden “shut down” discussion of Joe’s mental decline, turning into one of the most influential first ladies, claims new book
Have you or someone you love faced a cancer diagnosis? How did you navigate the treatment process, and what advice would you offer others? Do you have questions about prostate cancer, aging, or health screenings? Share your thoughts, stories, and questions in the comments below.
