Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 and metastasis to the bone. Despite the seriousness of the condition, the cancer is hormone-sensitive, suggesting potential for effective medical management. Biden, 82, and his family are currently reviewing treatment options with his physicians. El País+5The Washington Post+5Vanity Fair+5El País+5The Sun+5The Washington Post+5
The announcement has elicited bipartisan support, with several politicians expressing well-wishes. Former President Donald Trump issued a supportive statement for Joe Biden following the news. Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, expressing sympathy and best wishes for Biden and his family, hoping for a swift and successful recovery. The Washington PostThe Daily Beast+4The Sun+4Business Insider+4
Vice President Kamala Harris, who succeeded Biden as the Democratic nominee in the 2024 election, has not yet publicly commented on the diagnosis. However, Harris has previously spoken about the impact of cancer on her own family, particularly her mother, a breast cancer researcher who died of colon cancer in 2009. Harris has praised the work of her mother and expressed pride in her contributions to cancer research. People.com
Biden’s diagnosis comes amid ongoing concerns over his age and health, especially following his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race after a poor debate performance. Throughout his political career, Biden prioritized cancer research, particularly following the 2015 death of his son Beau from brain cancer. In 2022, he launched a “cancer moonshot” initiative with the goal of halving cancer death rates. New York Post+2The Washington Post+2AP News+2The White House+4AP News+4The Washington Post+4
This latest health news marks another poignant chapter in Biden’s long political journey, highlighting broader debates regarding the aging political leadership in the U.S., with figures like Donald Trump and Chuck Grassley also under scrutiny due to their advanced ages. The Washington Post
As Biden and his family consider treatment options, the nation watches with concern and hope for his recovery
