Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, according to a statement released by his office.
According to the statement, “Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.”
While a high-grade, aggressive cancer is not good news, the statement noted that it appears to be hormone-sensitive, which is good news for the possibility of effective treatment.
Deseret News reported last week that a prostate nodule had been found and a biopsy taken. At the time, it was noted that prostate nodules are not uncommon in men over age 50 — Biden is 82 — and that prostate cancer is typically a slow-growing disease. It’s also one of the most common forms of cancer for men.
But it can be aggressive, spreading to other parts of the body. The statement said the Biden family is taking some time to consider what the treatment options are.
Biden’s office said it would not have additional comments beyond the statement.
What is hormone-sensitive prostate cancer?
According to the National Cancer Institute, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer is “prostate cancer that needs androgens (male hormones) to grow and therefore stops growing when androgens are not present. Many early-stage prostate cancers are androgen-dependent, so reducing the amount of androgens in the body or blocking their action may be an effective type of therapy.”
The National Institutes of Health said that metastatic prostate cancer has a “relatively dismal” survival rate of about 30% at five years compared to cancers that are not aggressive.
About prostate cancer
The American Cancer Society predicts there will be about 313,780 new cases of prostate cancer in 2025 and roughly 35,770 men will die from prostate cancer this year.
The society’s statistics suggest About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point. But there are many factors that contribute to risk, including age, race/ethnicity and other factors. More than half of prostate cancers are diagnosed in men who are at least 65 years old. The disease is rare in men younger than 50. Average age of diagnosis is 67.
Men who are Black have a higher risk than men of other races.
Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in men; prostate cancer comes in second. About 1 in 44 men will die from it, according to the society. Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer will die with it but of something else because it’s typically not aggressive.
Reaction to news
Public reaction was beginning to pour in Sunday afternoon.
Biden’s former vice president, Kamala Harris, posted on X that “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 optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”
Utah officials were quick to chime in. From Utah Gov. Spencer Cox on X: “Cancer sucks. My family and I will be joining Americans everywhere in praying for President Biden’s continued health and recovery.”
Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah, released a statement: “I’m wishing President Biden strength and a full recovery as he begins his fight against cancer. This is a difficult diagnosis for anyone, and I join many Americans in hoping for healing and peace in the days ahead.”
Among other reactions on social media:
His father, the president, posted, “Totally agree.”
This story may be updated.