Former President Joe Biden has aggressive form of prostate cancer
Former President Joe Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer on Friday, according to media reports.
While the diagnosis, which Biden received on May 16, indicates the former president has one of the worst forms of the disease, it "appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management," the spokesperson said in a statement.
"The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians," the statement added.
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer for men, other than non-melanoma skin cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“It is also one of the leading causes of cancer death among men of all races,” the CDC says.
Biden's spokesman revealed that the former president's cancer has a Gleason score of 9, grade group 5, which the American Cancer Society describes as a type "most likely to grow and spread quickly."
Trump wishes Biden 'fast' recovery
Support for Biden quickly poured in from across the political sphere after the news of his diagnosis.
President Donald Trump issued a statement of support for Biden and his family on Truth Social, writing, "Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery."
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who was Biden's running mate, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, "Doug (Emhoff) 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."
Harris' husband, Doug Emoff, wrote, "Sending love and strength to my friend Joe Biden.
Biden's Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg wrote on X, "President Biden is a man of deep faith and extraordinary resilience. Chasten and I are keeping him, and the entire Biden family, in our prayers for strength and healing."
Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., shared a social media message from another account stating, "Politics aside, we wish him a speedy recovery!"
"Agreed 100%," Donald Trump Jr. wrote.
Meghan McCain, the daughter of former Arizona senator John McCain, who died of cancer, wrote, "Cancer is the absolute worst. It is hell. It is incredibly difficult for any family, anywhere, that has to deal with it. Wishing nothing but healing, prayers, light, and strength to President Biden and his family."
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a cancer survivor and former chair of the Democratic National Committee, posted on social media that Biden is "a ferocious fighter, and I know he’ll handle this battle with strength and dignity."
Biden received clean bill of health last year
Biden had a routine physical in February 2024 during the last year of his presidency. The doctor’s report said he was “a healthy, active, robust 81-year-old male.”
The doctors said he was receiving treatment for sleep apnea and that all of his other medical conditions remain “stable and well controlled.”
A skin lesion was removed from Biden’s chest in 2023. Known as a basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer, his doctor said then that no further treatment was required.
What is the Gleason score?
The Gleason score is a tool to assess prostate cancer, according to Myriad Genetics.
A score of 6 or less on the Gleason score is good and puts it into Grade 1. It's the lowest score possible;e.
Biden's 9 is at the highest level and considered in group 5. The score indicated that the cancer cells look different from normal cells, and the cancer will grow and spread more quickly.
What is prostate cancer?
According to the Mayo Clinic, prostate cancer is a growth of cells that starts in the prostate – the small gland that helps make semen. Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer. Prostate cancer is usually found early, and it often grows slowly. Most people with prostate cancer are cured.
If the cancer grows beyond the prostate or if it spreads, there are still many treatment options. However, prostate cancer that spreads can be more difficult to cure. But even when a cure isn't possible, treatments can slow the growth of the cancer and help you live longer.
What are the factors for prostate cancer?
The factors in getting prostate cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic are:
- Age
- Race and ethnicity
- Family history of prostate cancer
- Obesity
- Smoking
Isabel Hughes contributed to this story.