Former President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has reportedly spread to his bones. The diagnosis comes after months of mounting speculation surrounding Biden’s physical and cognitive health.
Doctors discovered a cancerous nodule during a recent physical examination, which had been prompted by worsening urinary symptoms. Further testing confirmed that the cancer is both high-grade and metastatic, with a Gleason score of 9—indicating a fast-growing, life-threatening malignancy. The disease has already spread to the bones, complicating treatment options.
While the diagnosis is serious, Biden’s medical team has confirmed that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, meaning certain therapies may still slow its progression. Discussions are reportedly ongoing between the former president’s family and his team of physicians to determine the best course of treatment.
This news comes amid growing scrutiny over the transparency of Biden’s health while in office. Questions about his mental sharpness intensified earlier this year following the release of audio from Special Counsel Robert Hur’s interview with Biden, in which the president struggled to recall basic facts and dates, including the year his son Beau passed away.
The cancer revelation only adds to the controversy, with critics now pointing to a broader pattern of health issues that may have been downplayed or withheld during his presidency.
Prostate cancer is common among older men, particularly those in their 80s, but the advanced stage and aggressiveness of Biden’s condition make it especially concerning. In many cases, once prostate cancer metastasizes to the bones, the focus of care shifts to slowing progression and maintaining quality of life.
Despite the political debate surrounding his health, messages of sympathy and support have poured in from across the political spectrum. Current and former lawmakers, colleagues, and public figures have expressed their well-wishes to Biden and his family as they face this difficult chapter.
As treatment plans are finalized and more details emerge, attention now turns to how Biden’s health battle may shape his post-presidency legacy and the broader conversation around leadership, aging, and transparency in American politics.
