Joe Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer as Health Concerns Resurface

preCharge News POLITICS — Former President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, his office confirmed Sunday, adding a new chapter to a public life already marked by personal loss and political resilience.

Biden’s Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: What We Know So Far

Cancer Spreads to Bone, but Remains Hormone-Sensitive

Biden’s office said the diagnosis came after he sought medical attention for urinary symptoms last week. Doctors discovered a prostate nodule, and subsequent tests revealed the cancer had spread to his bones. Despite the advanced stage, the cancer remains hormone-sensitive, allowing for potentially effective treatment.

“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management,” Biden’s office said in a statement. “The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”

A Gleason score of 9 indicates that Biden’s cancer is among the most aggressive forms. The score, which ranges from 1 to 10, measures how abnormal the cancer cells look compared to healthy cells, with higher scores indicating faster-growing cancers.

Health Challenges and a Life of Personal Resilience

A History of Health Scares

Biden’s health has been a persistent concern among voters. In 2023, he had a basal cell carcinoma removed from his chest, and in 2021, doctors found a potentially pre-cancerous polyp during a routine colonoscopy. His health struggles are deeply personal; his son Beau Biden died of brain cancer in 2015, a loss that deeply shaped his approach to public service.

As vice president, Biden launched the Cancer Moonshot initiative, aiming to cut cancer death rates in half over the next 25 years. He has described the effort as a chance for America to prove it can achieve “really big things.”

Political Reactions and Public Support

Bipartisan Messages of Support

Many political leaders have expressed their support for Biden. President Donald Trump, Biden’s former rival, posted on Truth Social, saying, “we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”

Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who replaced Biden as the Democratic nominee in 2024, also offered her support. “Joe is a fighter,” she wrote, “and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership.”

Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time. Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and… pic.twitter.com/gG5nB0GMPp
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) May 18, 2025

Biden’s Legacy and Ongoing Influence

Balancing Health and Legacy in a Tumultuous Political Landscape

Biden’s health diagnosis comes as he faces increasing scrutiny over his age and mental fitness. In 2024, Biden ended his bid for a second term after a widely criticized debate performance, allowing Harris to become the nominee. She later lost to Trump, who reclaimed the White House after a four-year absence.

Despite stepping back from the political spotlight, Biden has continued to defend his record. Recent revelations in the book “Original Sin” by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson suggest his aides actively shielded the public from the full extent of his cognitive decline during his presidency, adding to the complex legacy of a leader who has spent more than five decades in public service.