Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has already spread to his bones, according to an official statement released on Sunday. The announcement confirmed that the 82-year-old Democrat received the diagnosis last Friday, following medical investigations triggered by worsening urinary symptoms and the discovery of a new prostate nodule.
While the cancer is described as more severe due to its metastatic nature, the statement offered a measure of hope, noting that the disease is hormone-sensitive — a factor that can allow for effective treatment. Joe Biden and his family are said to be considering treatment options in consultation with his medical team.
This development comes at a poignant moment for Biden, who has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding his age and fitness for office. Despite stepping aside from the 2024 presidential race after concerns over his cognitive abilities, Biden has repeatedly maintained that he could have defeated Donald Trump had he remained a candidate. Ultimately, Vice President Kamala Harris ran in his place but was unsuccessful, losing to Trump.
Concerns about Biden’s health have intensified recently, particularly after the release of a recording in which he appeared hesitant and struggled to recall significant events and dates, reigniting public debate about his mental acuity.
The news of Biden’s diagnosis also carries a painful personal resonance. His son, Beau Biden, passed away from brain cancer in 2015 — a tragedy that profoundly shaped Biden’s personal and political life.
