The political and medical worlds were rocked by the announcement on May 18, 2025, that former U.S. President Joe Biden, aged 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones. The statement from Biden’s personal office revealed that the diagnosis followed a medical evaluation prompted by increasing urinary symptoms, leading to the discovery of a prostate nodule. By May 16, tests confirmed the cancer’s severity, with a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating a high-risk, rapidly spreading disease. As of 09:48 AM +07 on Monday, May 19, 2025, Biden and his family are reviewing treatment options, facing a challenging but manageable path forward due to the cancer’s hormone-sensitive nature.
Biden’s diagnosis marks a serious health battle for the former president, who left office in January 2025 after opting not to run for re-election amid concerns over his age and health. The Gleason score of 9, as noted in the statement, places the cancer in the most aggressive category, with cells that look markedly different from healthy ones and a high likelihood of rapid spread. The metastasis to the bone, confirmed as Stage 4, means the cancer is no longer curable, though experts suggest it can be managed. Hormone sensitivity offers hope, as therapies that block testosterone—a key driver of prostate cancer growth—can slow progression and extend life, potentially for years, depending on Biden’s response to treatment.
The timing of the diagnosis adds a layer of complexity to Biden’s legacy. During his presidency, Biden championed the Cancer Moonshot initiative, aiming to halve the U.S. cancer death rate over 25 years, a cause deeply personal after his son Beau died of brain cancer in 2015. The initiative led to nearly 8 million cancer screenings, including for prostate cancer, yet Biden’s own diagnosis underscores the disease’s insidious nature. Prostate cancer remains the second-leading cause of cancer death among U.S. men, with an estimated 35,770 deaths projected for 2025, per the American Cancer Society. The irony of Biden’s battle, given his advocacy, has not been lost on observers, prompting renewed calls for early detection and research funding.
Public reaction has been swift and bipartisan, reflecting Biden’s long tenure in public service. President Donald Trump expressed sadness on Truth Social, joined by First Lady Melania in wishing Biden a speedy recovery. Vice President Kamala Harris, who succeeded Biden as the Democratic nominee in 2024, called him a “fighter” on X, expressing hope for his recovery. Former President Barack Obama, under whom Biden served as vice president, praised his resilience and contributions to cancer research. Even critics like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene offered prayers, citing her own father’s death from cancer in 2021. Posts on X show a mix of support and reflection, with some users noting the cruel irony of Biden’s diagnosis given his Cancer Moonshot efforts, while others criticize the Democratic Party for allegedly downplaying his health issues during his presidency.
Medically, Biden’s prognosis hinges on treatment response. Hormone therapy, likely the first line of defense, can manage the disease by depriving cancer cells of testosterone, though side effects like fatigue and bone density loss are common. Bone-targeted treatments may also be employed to address metastases, which can cause pain and fractures. Experts estimate a median survival of 3 to 5 years for bone-metastatic prostate cancer, though some patients live much longer—up to 15 or 20 years—with modern therapies. Biden’s overall health, previously described as robust for his age during a 2024 physical, will play a critical role in his ability to withstand treatment.
The diagnosis also reignites debates about Biden’s health transparency during his presidency. Critics on X and in media reports have long speculated about his physical and cognitive decline, especially after his 2024 debate performance and decision to drop out of the race. The timing of this revelation, just months after leaving office, has fueled claims that his administration may have concealed health concerns, though no evidence supports this beyond speculation. Biden’s prior health scares—two brain aneurysms in 1988 and a cancerous skin lesion removed in 2023—highlight his resilience, but at 82, this new challenge tests his limits.
As Biden navigates this personal battle, the nation watches a leader who has faced decades of adversity—from the tragic loss of his first wife and daughter in 1972 to his son’s death—now confront a disease he fought to eradicate for others. His journey will likely amplify discussions on aging, healthcare, and the toll of public service, while his legacy as a cancer advocate takes on a deeply personal dimension.
