In a statement released by Washington D.C on Sunday, the office of former President Joe Biden confirmed he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones.
The statement revealed that Biden, 82, was evaluated last week after reporting worsening urinary symptoms.
Subsequent testing identified a prostate nodule, and by Friday, physicians confirmed a diagnosis of prostate cancer.
The cancer was classified as a Gleason score of 9 placing it in Grade Group 5, the most aggressive category. The disease has already metastasized to the bone.
“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,” the statement added.
Biden and his family are reportedly reviewing treatment options with his medical team. Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, hormone-sensitive cancers can often be treated with a combination of therapies that slow progression and alleviate symptoms.
The announcement follows recent reports that Biden had undergone a medical evaluation for a small prostate nodule.
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urologist and robotic surgeon with Orlando Health — who is not part of Biden’s care team — weighed in on the diagnosis, emphasizing the common nature of prostate cancer.
“As we get older, most men are going to have little cancer cells in them,” he said. “The key is how aggressive those cells are and how early we detect them.”
This marks a significant health challenge for the former president, who remains a prominent figure in American politics. Further updates on his condition and treatment plan are expected in the coming days.
