A recent medical diagnosis has shaken the routine of former U.S. President Joe Biden, aged 82. He has been identified with advanced prostate cancer, featuring bone metastasis, as announced by his office on Sunday, May 18, 2025. The news, which caught many by surprise, raises questions about the health of one of America’s longest-serving leaders. Treatment plans are already underway, focusing on hormonal therapies.
Prostate cancer, affecting the gland located below the bladder, is often known for its slow progression. In Biden’s case, however, the disease exhibits severe characteristics, with a Gleason score of 9, indicating high aggressiveness. Nevertheless, his medical team emphasizes that the tumor is hormone-sensitive, which may aid in controlling its progression.
Following tests conducted last week, prompted by urinary symptoms and the discovery of a small nodule, Biden received the diagnosis on Friday. Below are key points about the case:
- The cancer has spread to the bones, confirming metastasis.
- A Gleason score of 9 indicates a highly aggressive tumor.
- Hormonal therapies are among the treatment options being considered.
The former president, who left the White House as the oldest leader in U.S. history, now faces a new health challenge as his family and medical team evaluate the next steps.
Details of the medical diagnosis
Joe Biden’s prostate cancer was detected after a series of tests prompted by reported urinary symptoms. During the evaluations, doctors identified a small nodule, leading to further examinations. On Friday, May 16, 2025, the diagnosis was confirmed, revealing an aggressive form of the disease with bone metastasis.
The Gleason scale, used to classify prostate cancer severity, assigned Biden’s tumor a score of 9, one of the highest ratings. This classification reflects the highly abnormal appearance of the cancerous cells compared to healthy ones. Despite the severity, Biden’s office noted that the tumor responds to hormonal treatments, a trait that may help manage the disease’s progression.
Prostate cancer impacts the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. In many cases, the disease progresses slowly, with no noticeable symptoms for years. However, aggressive forms, like the one diagnosed in Biden, require swift and intensive interventions.
Biden’s health history
At 82, Joe Biden has faced several health issues throughout his public life. In 2021, during his presidency, he underwent a procedure to remove a benign but potentially precancerous polyp from his colon. Two years later, in 2023, a skin lesion was removed, diagnosed as basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer.
In September 2024, the White House physician, Kevin O’Connor, conducted a neurological evaluation as part of Biden’s annual physical. The report stated that the former president showed no motor weakness or tremors but exhibited symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in both feet, a condition causing numbness and tingling.
During his presidency, Biden faced frequent questions about his health and cognitive capacity, particularly after events like the June 2024 debate against Donald Trump, where he appeared frail. These factors contributed to his decision not to seek re-election, announced in July 2024.
Characteristics of prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, particularly in older age groups. The disease originates in the prostate, a gland that produces part of the seminal fluid. In many cases, the abnormal cell growth is slow, allowing for monitoring without immediate intervention.
However, aggressive forms, like Biden’s, pose greater challenges. Bone metastasis, for instance, occurs when cancer cells spread to the bones, causing pain and complicating treatment. Key aspects of prostate cancer include:
- Urinary symptoms, such as difficulty urinating or increased frequency.
- Potential for silent progression, with no symptoms for years.
- Treatments ranging from surgery to hormonal therapies and radiation.
- Higher prevalence in men over 65 years old.
The hormone sensitivity of Biden’s tumor is a positive factor, as therapies that block hormones like testosterone can slow the disease’s advancement.
Reactions to the diagnosis
The announcement of Biden’s diagnosis sparked widespread reactions among political leaders and supporters in the U.S. and abroad. Democratic Party figures expressed solidarity, highlighting the former president’s resilience. Biden’s team emphasized that he remains focused on maintaining his routine while reviewing treatment options.
Known for a career marked by personal triumphs, including the loss of his son Beau to cancer in 2015, Biden now faces a health challenge in a post-presidency phase. According to his office, the Biden family is united in planning the next medical steps.
In the U.S., prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men, trailing only lung cancer. Biden’s diagnosis has reignited discussions about the importance of early detection and access to advanced treatments.
Treatment options under review
Biden’s medical team is evaluating a combination of therapies to address the advanced prostate cancer. The tumor’s hormone sensitivity opens the door to treatments that block testosterone production or activity, a hormone that can fuel cancer cell growth.
Available options include:
- Hormonal therapy to reduce testosterone levels.
- Radiation therapy to target cancer cells in specific areas.
- Chemotherapy for advanced metastatic cases.
- Immunotherapy drugs to stimulate the immune system.
The treatment plan will be tailored, considering Biden’s age, overall health, and the extent of the metastasis. The medical team is also exploring the possibility of clinical trials testing new cancer-fighting approaches.
Public health landscape in the U.S.
Prostate cancer affects approximately 1 in 8 men in the United States over their lifetime. Recent data indicate that around 300,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the country. The disease is more prevalent among men over 65, who make up the majority of patients.
Awareness campaigns, such as Movember, promote preventive screenings like the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test, which measures levels of a protein produced by the prostate. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
During his presidency, Biden prioritized cancer initiatives, driven by the loss of his son Beau. In 2022, he set an ambitious goal to cut cancer mortality in half within 25 years, with investments in research and access to treatments.
Political career and health
Joe Biden took office in January 2021 at age 78, becoming the oldest president to assume the role in U.S. history. His health was a recurring topic during his term, with annual physicals publicly disclosed to counter speculation.
In July 2024, following internal Democratic Party pressure and a criticized debate performance against Donald Trump, Biden announced he would not run for re-election. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who was defeated by Trump in the November 2024 election.
Biden’s decision was partly influenced by concerns about his health and ability to lead for another term. The prostate cancer diagnosis now adds a new chapter to his journey.
Advances in cancer treatment
Recent years have brought significant progress in prostate cancer treatment. New therapies, such as immunotherapy drugs and targeted treatments, have expanded options for patients with advanced tumors. Research has also improved the identification of genetic markers that predict cancer aggressiveness.
In the U.S., leading oncology centers like MD Anderson Cancer Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering spearhead studies combining hormonal therapies with innovative approaches. These advancements could benefit patients like Biden, whose tumor is hormone-sensitive.
Recent developments include:
- Drugs that block androgen receptors with greater precision.
- More focused radiation techniques, minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
- Genetic tests to personalize treatment plans.
- Clinical trials exploring combined therapies.
Prevention and awareness efforts
Early detection of prostate cancer relies on regular screenings, particularly for men over 50 or those with a family history of the disease. The PSA test, combined with digital rectal exams, is a key tool for identifying prostate abnormalities.
Risk factors for prostate cancer include:
- Advanced age, with higher incidence after 65.
- Family history of prostate cancer.
- Diets high in fats and low in vegetables.
- Ethnicity, with greater prevalence among African-American men.
Global campaigns emphasize the importance of routine checkups and healthy lifestyles to reduce cancer risk. In the U.S., organizations like the American Cancer Society host events to educate the public about the disease.
Biden’s personal cancer fight
Joe Biden’s connection to cancer is both personal and political. The death of his son Beau in 2015 from glioblastoma inspired Biden to champion cancer initiatives. As vice president, he led the Cancer Moonshot, a program aimed at accelerating research and treatment development.
In 2022, as president, Biden relaunched the initiative, setting bold goals to reduce cancer mortality. The program allocated billions to research centers and improved access to screening in underserved communities.
Now, facing his own diagnosis, Biden becomes a symbol of the cancer fight, both as a patient and an advocate for public health policies.
Next medical steps
Biden’s medical team is in the planning phase, consulting oncology specialists. The treatment choice will consider the metastasis’s extent and Biden’s overall health. The tumor’s hormone sensitivity is encouraging, but bone metastasis requires intensive care.
The coming months will be critical for monitoring Biden’s response to treatment. His family, including First Lady Jill Biden, is actively involved in medical decisions. Biden’s office pledged to keep the public updated on significant developments.