Former President Joe Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive form’ of prostate cancer

Former President Joe Biden Diagnosed with Advanced Prostate Cancer

Former President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, a spokesperson confirmed in a statement released on May 18.

The diagnosis was made on May 16 after Biden began experiencing urinary symptoms. A medical examination revealed a nodule on his prostate. Despite the seriousness of the condition, the cancer is reportedly hormone-sensitive, which, according to the spokesperson, “allows for effective management.”

“The President and his family are currently consulting with physicians to evaluate treatment options,” the statement said.

Biden, who led the country from 2021 to 2025, withdrew from his reelection campaign in July of last year following a widely criticized debate performance against Republican candidate Donald Trump. The performance sparked concern within the Democratic Party and led to Vice President Kamala Harris stepping in as the party’s nominee. Harris ultimately lost to Trump in the November election.

Biden’s physical health and cognitive sharpness had been under close media scrutiny well before the debate. At the time of his election, he held the distinction of being the oldest person ever elected president — a record later surpassed by Donald Trump, who was 78 when he defeated Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.

Biden previously served as vice president under President Barack Obama and spent decades in the U.S. Senate, having first been elected in 1972.

His cancer diagnosis was announced the same day audio was released from his interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur. The recording, which captured moments of halting speech and memory lapses, along with recent books examining Biden’s later years, has reignited debate over his fitness to seek a second term in 2024.

In a May 8 interview on ABC’s The View, Biden dismissed claims of cognitive decline, saying, “They are wrong.” He expressed confidence that he would have won re-election had he remained in the race.

Cancer has deeply impacted the Biden family in the past. In 2015, Biden’s son, Beau Biden, died from a brain tumor — a loss that profoundly shaped the former president’s public and personal life.

Trump and Harris Extend Well Wishes to Biden

Support for former President Joe Biden swiftly followed news of his cancer diagnosis, with messages pouring in from across the political spectrum.

President Donald Trump, in a joint statement with former First Lady Melania Trump, expressed sympathy upon hearing the news.
“We were saddened to learn of Joe’s diagnosis,” the statement read. “We send our warmest wishes to Jill and the entire Biden family, and we hope for a speedy and full recovery.”

Bipartisan Support for Biden Following Cancer Diagnosis

Biden, who defeated Donald Trump in the contentious 2020 presidential election, received messages of support from both allies and political opponents after news of his cancer diagnosis became public.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who served under Biden and became the Democratic nominee following his withdrawal from the 2024 race, issued a joint statement with her husband expressing optimism.
“We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery,” the statement read. “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,” Harris added.

Donald Trump Jr., the former president’s eldest son, also weighed in, sharing a message from another account on social media: “Politics aside, we wish him a speedy recovery!”

Obama on Biden: ‘He Will Fight This Challenge’

In a statement, former President Barack Obama expressed support for Joe Biden following his cancer diagnosis, noting that he and his wife, Michelle Obama, are keeping the Biden family in their thoughts.

“Nobody has done more to advance the search for breakthrough cancer treatments than Joe,” Obama wrote on X. “I have no doubt he will face this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We’re praying for a swift and full recovery.”

Bill Clinton: ‘My Friend Joe Biden’s Always Been a Fighter’

Among those sending well wishes to Biden were former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee.

“My friend Joe Biden has always been a fighter,” Bill Clinton wrote on social media. “Hillary and I are keeping him, Jill, and the entire family in our thoughts and rooting for his full recovery.”

Biden Received Clean Bill of Health Last Year

In February 2024, during the final year of his presidency, Biden underwent a routine physical exam. His doctors described him as “a healthy, active, robust 81-year-old male.”

While he was being treated for sleep apnea, all other medical conditions were reported as “stable and well controlled.”

In 2023, a basal cell carcinoma—a common form of skin cancer—was removed from Biden’s chest. At that time, his doctor confirmed that no further treatment was necessary.

A Leading Cause of Death Among Men

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is also among the top causes of cancer-related deaths across all racial groups.

In 2021, there were 236,659 new cases of prostate cancer reported in the United States. The following year, 33,363 men died from the disease.

Biden’s spokesperson disclosed that the former president’s cancer has a Gleason score of 9, placing it in grade group 5. The American Cancer Society classifies this as a highly aggressive form, “most likely to grow and spread quickly.”

Lawmakers React to Biden’s Cancer Diagnosis

Politicians from across the political spectrum quickly expressed their support and sent prayers for the former president following the announcement of his cancer diagnosis.

Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia commented on X, saying she was “sorry to see this news” and added, “Cancer is truly awful.”

“My dad passed away from cancer in 2021,” Greene shared, adding, “Prayers for Joe Biden and his family.”

Republican Utah Governor Spencer Cox also voiced his support on X, stating that he and his family join “Americans everywhere in praying for President Biden’s continued health and recovery.”

Senator Susan Collins of Maine expressed her sorrow, writing on X that she was “saddened to hear” about Biden’s diagnosis and wishing him and his family well. Similarly, Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina said he was “praying for his full recovery.”

On the Democratic side, California Governor Gavin Newsom sent his support via X, offering “strength, healing, and prayers” to the former president. “A man of dignity, strength, and compassion like Joe deserves to live a long and beautiful life,” Newsom added.

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman described Biden as “a fighter his whole life” and expressed confidence that he will overcome this challenge.