Joe and Jill Biden. Credit / Instagram
Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, his office confirmed in a statement released Sunday afternoon.
The announcement comes after weeks of growing speculation about his health and marks a sobering moment in American politics.
The diagnosis was made on Friday after doctors discovered a small nodule on Biden’s prostate during an examination prompted by increasing urinary symptoms. According to the official statement, the cancer was graded as a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating a high-grade tumor.
While serious, the cancer is reportedly hormone-sensitive, a factor that opens the door to potentially effective treatment options.
Biden, 82, broke his silence on social media with a message of gratitude and resilience, posting on X: “Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”
Biden, who left office in January, had long faced questions about his age and fitness for another presidential term. His re-election campaign was ultimately abandoned after a widely criticized debate performance against Donald Trump last June.
Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support. pic.twitter.com/oSS1vGIiwU
Reactions Across the Political Spectrum
Support and well wishes have poured in from across the political divide. Former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris also issued a statement of support: “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.”
Representative Ro Khanna of California, a former campaign surrogate, wrote on X: “Praying for @JoeBiden and his family to defeat the cancer he’s recently been diagnosed with. He and Jill have always been fighters and I am confident they will meet this challenge with grit and grace.”
Public figures from both parties, including Meghan McCain and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, also expressed condolences and shared personal reflections on how cancer has affected their own families.
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
A Personal Fight
Cancer has shaped much of Biden’s recent public life. Following the death of his son Beau from brain cancer in 2015, Biden launched the “Cancer Moonshot,” a sweeping initiative aimed at accelerating cancer research and treatment. As president, he remained a vocal advocate for improving access to care and advancing the science behind cancer treatment.
Prostate cancer remains one of the most common forms of cancer in men, particularly older men, and outcomes vary depending on how early it is detected and how far it has spread.
The Biden family is currently reviewing treatment options with physicians. Further updates are expected in the coming days.