Former President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, his office announced in a statement Sunday. Doctors made the diagnosis on Friday after Biden sought medical evaluation for urinary symptoms, during which a prostate nodule was discovered. According to the statement, the cancer “appears to be hormone-sensitive,” a trait that cancer specialists say can improve treatment prospects. The statement added that Biden and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.
Diagnosis details and medical facts
The White House statement said Biden’s cancer was confirmed on Friday following tests triggered by urinary issues detected days earlier. A Gleason score of 9 was given to the tumor, indicating it is among the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer. The cancer has spread to the bone – a common pattern for advanced prostate cancer – which makes it more serious than a localized tumor. However, because the cancer cells are hormone-sensitive, doctors can potentially use hormone-deprivation therapies to control its growth. Biden’s doctors would likely follow standard protocols for prostate cancer: an MRI and biopsy are typically performed after finding a prostate nodule, to determine the extent and character of the disease. No specific treatment plan has been released, but the statement reassured that medical experts will guide Biden’s care.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men after skin cancer, and risk rises with age. At 82, Biden is one of the oldest former U.S. presidents; age is the single biggest risk factor for prostate cancer. In Biden’s case, the metastasized cancer is still hormone-sensitive, which physicians note often allows for effective management through existing therapies. The statement from Biden’s office described this as a “more aggressive form of the disease,” but emphasized that hormone sensitivity “allows for effective management”.
Health background
Biden has a history of minor cancers. Officials have previously disclosed that during his presidency he underwent removal of non-melanoma skin cancers and a cancerous lesion from his chest in early 2023. He also made cancer research a priority as president, launching a “cancer moonshot” initiative in 2022 aimed at cutting cancer deaths. Other than these issues, his medical records have shown generally good health for his age: he has been active and exercised regularly, and White House doctors have repeatedly reported he was fit for duty. There is no indication that Biden sought treatment for prostate issues before this recent evaluation.
Political context and next steps
Biden served as President from 2021 to 2025. His advanced age and stamina had been subjects of voter attention even before this diagnosis. During the 2024 campaign, Biden briefly sought a second term but dropped out of the race after a poor debate performance, citing concerns about his performance. Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee but lost to Republican Donald Trump, who assumed the presidency in January.
Biden’s office did not specify how his diagnosis would affect any public schedule or appearances, and no treatment timeline was given. Cancer specialists note that if detected early, prostate cancer often has a favorable outcome, especially when hormone-sensitive. Bone metastasis makes it more serious, but targeted treatments such as hormone therapy and radiation may still provide control or remission. In a statement, Biden expressed determination to treat the disease while continuing his work, and he thanked medical professionals for their efforts.
No other official comment has been made by current White House officials. News of the diagnosis prompted an outpouring of support from colleagues and commentators across the political spectrum. Many Democrats and other advocates pointed to Biden’s long record on cancer research funding and urged continued investment in medical research as Biden begins treatment. The president’s announcement came shortly after he and First Lady Jill Biden had made a rare joint media appearance earlier in May, in which they again denied any serious health or cognitive issues.
Prostate cancer outcomes vary widely depending on stage and treatment, but in Biden’s case the early identification of the nodule and the hormone-sensitive nature of his tumor offer some hope for effective management. His family and doctors are now considering options such as hormone-blocking therapy, chemotherapy or radiation. It remains to be seen how Biden’s health will progress; however, medical experts stress that many men live for years after a prostate cancer diagnosis when it is properly treated.
