According to an official statement released on May 18, 2025 by the office of the former U.S. President, Joe Biden, aged 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive and advanced form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones.
The diagnosis was made on Friday, May 16, 2025 after Biden reported experiencing urinary symptoms that prompted further medical evaluation.
The former President who served from 2021 to 2025, and his family are now working closely with a team of medical experts to determine the most effective course of treatment.
Despite the seriousness of the condition, his Doctors have expressed cautious optimism, noting that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, a factor that makes it more manageable with current medical therapies.
In a message shared via his social media account on X (formerly Twitter) today, May 19, 2025, Biden addressed the public with words of gratitude and resilience.
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among men in the United States, and it is often detected at an early stage before it spreads beyond the prostate gland.
According to data from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), of the over 236,000 cases diagnosed in 2021, roughly 70% were found in the early, localized stage. Only about 8% involved cancer that had already spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones or lymph nodes.
In Biden’s case, the cancer is considered to be at Stage 4, the most advanced stage because it has metastasized to his skeletal system.
His medical team reported a Gleason score of 9 out of 10, indicating a highly aggressive tumour.
The Gleason grading system is used by Doctors to assess the likely behaviour of prostate cancer, with higher scores suggesting faster growth and a greater likelihood of spreading.
“This type of cancer is certainly high-risk,” said Dr. Herbert Lepor, a leading urologist at NYU Langone Health.
“However, thanks to medical advances, many patients with metastatic prostate cancer can live five, ten years or even longer with appropriate treatment.”
Dr. Chris George, Medical Director of the cancer program at the Northwestern Health Network, explained that while prostate cancer that has spread to the bones is generally no longer curable, a variety of modern therapies including hormone treatments, immunotherapy, and targeted drugs can significantly slow disease progression and improve quality of life.
Biden’s health was frequently a topic of public and political discussion throughout his presidency, especially as he became the oldest individual to hold the office.
His decision to step down from the 2024 race last July followed a difficult debate performance against President Donald Trump, which raised concerns among Democratic leaders and supporters.
In a rare gesture of bipartisan compassion, Trump extended his sympathies to the Biden family. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Melania and I are saddened by the news of Joe Biden’s diagnosis. We offer our warmest wishes to Jill and the entire family and hope for a swift and complete recovery for Joe.”
The news has prompted an outpouring of support from political leaders, citizens, and health advocates across the country, many of whom have praised Biden’s openness and strength in the face of such a serious diagnosis.
As he begins treatment, Biden is expected to remain closely surrounded by his family and medical team, and updates on his condition will likely be shared in the weeks ahead.
