(Image source from: x.com/JoeBiden)
Joe Biden, the former President of the United States, has received a diagnosis of a severe and aggressive stage of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, as confirmed by his personal office on Sunday. At 82 years old, he is presently in consultation with his medical team regarding possible treatment options. This diagnosis follows recent indications that Biden had been facing aggravating urinary issues. Tests conducted last week revealed a prostate nodule and confirmed a cancer diagnosis with a Gleason score of 9, which is recognized as the most aggressive classification of this illness. Nevertheless, Biden’s healthcare providers pointed out an important aspect: the cancer seems to be hormone-sensitive, potentially allowing for more effective management through current therapies like hormone-blockers, chemotherapy, or targeted radiation treatments. He is currently recuperating at his residence in Wilmington, Delaware, while his family and doctors deliberate on treatment strategies.
This diagnosis introduces a serious layer to the existing concerns regarding Biden’s health and age. As the oldest president in U.S. history, he has faced ongoing scrutiny during his presidency, particularly in light of a shaky debate performance against Donald Trump in June 2024. A recent publication by CNN's Jake Tapper and Axios reporter Alex Thompson unveiled internal worries among Biden’s aides, citing instances of confusion, fatigue, and possible cognitive decline prior to his decision to withdraw from the 2024 election. Biden refuted these assertions during a recent guest appearance on The View, stating that there was “nothing to substantiate” such conjectures. Jill Biden defended her husband’s stamina and dedication, noting that the authors of those books were not present in the White House. Biden’s diagnosis has elicited significant expressions of support from political figures, regardless of their party affiliations.
Donald Trump, the previous president, temporarily setting aside his customary critiques, conveyed a message of sympathy: “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We offer our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a speedy and successful recovery,” he posted on Truth Social. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris, currently spearheading the Democratic presidential campaign, also shared a heartfelt note, emphasizing, “Joe is a fighter — and I am confident he will confront this obstacle with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have consistently characterized his life and leadership.”
Leading specialists in oncology and urology, who are not part of Biden's healthcare team, provided their insights on his diagnosis. “A Gleason score of 9 signifies that it is one of the most aggressive varieties of prostate cancer,” remarked Dr. Benjamin Davies, a professor of urologic oncology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. “The fact that it has metastasized to the bone renders it incurable, yet it is not beyond treatment. Recent advancements in therapies have enhanced survival rates and quality of life.” Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urologist from Orlando Health, noted that the treatment regimen will likely consist of hormone therapies, chemotherapy, and possibly medications targeting bone health: “Some of these treatments can impact memory, mood, and overall well-being, so it is crucial for doctors to calibrate the approach to ensure effectiveness while not compromising quality of life.”
Prostate cancer ranks among the most prevalent types of cancer found in men, especially in individuals older than 60 years. It originates in the prostate gland, a small organ resembling a walnut that is responsible for producing seminal fluid, and typically develops at a gradual pace. Nevertheless, certain variants, such as the one identified in Biden, can be very aggressive and have the potential to metastasize to the bones and lymph nodes.
