Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer, according to an official statement released by his team. The news came out on Sunday, May 18, just two days after the 82-year-old had a follow-up with his physician. The health update has sparked national concern, especially given Biden’s age and the severity of the diagnosis.
Just last week, doctors identified a prostate nodule after Biden reported persistent urinary issues. Following further tests, he was diagnosed on May 16 with grade group 5 prostate cancer, the most severe form of the disease. The cancer has also spread to the bones, but his team says it’s hormone-sensitive, meaning it may respond well to treatment. Right now, he and his family are in talks with doctors to explore the best treatment options available.
This update on Joe Biden’s health has drawn attention not only because of his long-standing public service but also because of the serious nature of this particular cancer type. Grade group 5, according to the American Cancer Society, can spread quickly and poses a major health risk. However, early detection and the fact that it’s hormone-sensitive give some hope for manageable treatment strategies.
This isn’t the first time Joe Biden’s health has been in the spotlight. During his 2024 physical exam, his White House physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, noted that Biden was in good health and fully capable of carrying out his responsibilities. Just a year earlier, in 2023, he underwent a biopsy on a small lesion on his chest. It turned out to be basal cell carcinoma—a common type of skin cancer—and all the cancerous tissue was removed successfully.
Yet, this new diagnosis is clearly more serious. Gleason score 9 prostate cancer, especially when it reaches the bones, is labeled aggressive for a reason. While this doesn’t automatically mean a poor outcome, it does raise difficult questions about treatment plans and how effective they might be at his age. For now, Biden is working with his physicians to consider all medical paths, including possibly hormone therapy or more advanced procedures.
People across the country have expressed their support and well wishes for the former president. Ken Thomas of The Wall Street Journal first reported the news, which has since spread widely. In fact, social media has seen a flurry of posts from concerned citizens, advocacy groups, and political allies.
On May 13, just days before the cancer was confirmed, a White House spokesperson told ABC News that a small nodule had been found during a routine checkup, prompting doctors to carry out further tests. Those results led to the current diagnosis.
This recent event has also reignited conversations about age and health in American politics. At 82, Biden is one of the oldest individuals to serve as president. Critics and supporters alike have often debated whether age should influence eligibility or capacity for office. But for Biden, the concern now is squarely on his health and recovery.
Just last month, on April 15, Joe Biden gave a speech at a conference in Chicago hosted by the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD). There, he emphasized the importance of social programs like Social Security and disability services. His voice was steady, and he seemed energetic as ever, making this diagnosis feel even more sudden and unexpected for many.
Despite the shocking news, some experts believe that the hormone-sensitive nature of the cancer offers a lifeline. Hormone therapy can often slow the growth of such cancers and, in some cases, improve quality of life significantly. It’s still unclear whether Biden will pursue this method or explore other medical routes, such as chemotherapy or radiation.
His family is closely involved in the discussions with his doctors. Given the complexities of the disease, any treatment decision will likely be made with caution, considering both his current health and personal wishes.
Joe Biden’s journey through public service, family loss, and health challenges has always been marked by resilience. Whether it was the tragic loss of his wife and daughter in the 1970s, or the passing of his son Beau Biden in 2015 due to brain cancer, he has faced more than his fair share of hardship. And yet, he has consistently returned to the public eye, stronger and more determined than before.
His recent farewell speech from the Oval Office on January 15, 2025, was a moment of reflection and appreciation for the American people. While he didn’t speak of any health issues then, the emotional tone of the address now resonates even more deeply with those who look back on it.
Prostate cancer is a common illness, especially among older men. But aggressive forms, such as the one Biden has, are more rare and require immediate and strategic responses. Awareness campaigns around this issue have long urged men over 50 to undergo regular screening. Biden’s diagnosis may serve as a powerful reminder of why these checkups matter.
The public will likely receive further updates in the coming weeks as the former president’s team finalizes a treatment plan. His supporters remain hopeful that his medical history of fighting through adversity will serve him once again.
This case also brings attention to ongoing cancer research and the need for accessible treatments. New advancements in prostate cancer therapy are being explored globally, and many patients now live longer, healthier lives even after such diagnoses. To learn more about the latest treatment methods, the National Cancer Institute provides resources and updates.
For now, all eyes are on Joe Biden and his journey ahead. Many are sending prayers and positive thoughts, holding onto the hope that medical science and his fighting spirit will lead him through this difficult time.
