Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an 'aggressive' form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, his office announced on Sunday. In response, former US vice president Kamala Harris expressed her support, describing Biden as “a fighter” who will face the illness with strength and optimism.
Harris shared her thoughts in a post on X, saying, “Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.” She added that she was “saddened” to learn of the diagnosis.
Biden’s diagnosis came after recent medical checks following urinary symptoms. A routine physical exam revealed a small nodule on his prostate, which led to further testing. By Friday, doctors confirmed that Biden’s prostate cancer was present and that it had already spread to his bones. According to his office, although the cancer is aggressive, it is hormone-sensitive, which means it can be effectively managed. “The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians,” the statement said.
Prostate cancers are measured by a Gleason score, which ranges from 1 to 10 and indicates how abnormal the cancer cells are compared to healthy ones. Biden’s score of 9 shows the cancer is very aggressive.
Earlier this week, media outlets including ABC News and The New York Times reported that Biden had undergone medical examinations following the discovery of the nodule. The New York Times noted that Biden spent Friday in a Philadelphia hospital for additional tests.
Joe Biden, now 82, has had his physical and mental health closely watched by the public during and after his presidency.
Harris shared her thoughts in a post on X, saying, “Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.” She added that she was “saddened” to learn of the diagnosis.
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 diagnosis came after recent medical checks following urinary symptoms. A routine physical exam revealed a small nodule on his prostate, which led to further testing. By Friday, doctors confirmed that Biden’s prostate cancer was present and that it had already spread to his bones. According to his office, although the cancer is aggressive, it is hormone-sensitive, which means it can be effectively managed. “The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians,” the statement said.
Prostate cancers are measured by a Gleason score, which ranges from 1 to 10 and indicates how abnormal the cancer cells are compared to healthy ones. Biden’s score of 9 shows the cancer is very aggressive.
Earlier this week, media outlets including ABC News and The New York Times reported that Biden had undergone medical examinations following the discovery of the nodule. The New York Times noted that Biden spent Friday in a Philadelphia hospital for additional tests.
Joe Biden, now 82, has had his physical and mental health closely watched by the public during and after his presidency.
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