Former President Joe Biden opens up about aggressive prostate cancer and shares heartfelt message of resilience and unity.
Joe Biden breaks silence after aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis
Joe Biden has confirmed he is battling aggressive prostate cancer.
The announcement has prompted widespread support and renewed attention to men’s health issues.
The 82-year-old former president posted a personal message and photo on social media Monday.
He also thanked the public for their love and encouragement during this difficult time.
“Cancer touches us all,” Biden wrote, sharing an image of himself beside his wife, Jill Biden, and their family cat.
“Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places,” he added.
“Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”
His message came just one day after his office revealed that doctors had diagnosed him with a high-grade form of prostate cancer that has spread to the bone.
Biden’s diagnosis reveals an advanced and aggressive form of prostate cancer
Biden’s cancer diagnosis was made on Friday following complaints of urinary symptoms.
A medical examination earlier this month found a small nodule on his prostate.
Doctors later confirmed that the cancer had metastasized to the bone, a sign of late-stage prostate cancer.
Additionally, the cancer received a Gleason score of 9. This score places it among the most aggressive and fast-growing types of prostate cancer.
Biden’s office stated: “While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,” his office said.
“The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”
His medical team is currently reviewing treatment options with the former president and his family.
Experts say aggressive prostate cancer is treatable but not curable
Prostate cancer is assessed by the Gleason scoring system, which ranges from 6 to 10.
Scores of 8–10 indicate high-risk, aggressive cancer.
Biden’s score of 9 reflects a serious diagnosis but not an untreatable one.
When prostate cancer spreads, it most commonly spreads to the bones, which makes treatment more challenging.
However, if the cancer is hormone-sensitive, it can respond to treatment.
In Biden’s case, hormone-deprivation therapies may be effective at slowing its progression.
“It’s very treatable, but not curable,” Smith said. “Most men in this situation would be treated with drugs and would not be advised to have either surgery or radiation therapy.”
Outcomes for patients with metastatic prostate cancer have improved in recent years.
Patients now commonly live four to five years after diagnosis with proper treatment.
Political leaders express support with Biden following health update
News of Biden’s condition has prompted a wave of public support from political figures across the spectrum.
Former President Donald Trump issued a rare statement of goodwill toward his longtime rival:
“We wish Joe a fast and successful recovery,” Trump wrote.
Vice President Kamala Harris also shared a message on social media, praising Biden’s strength and resilience.
“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.”