Former U.S. President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has already spread to his bones, his office confirmed on Sunday, May 18. The diagnosis came after Biden reported experiencing urinary symptoms. Doctors have categorized the condition as stage 4—an advanced stage of cancer where it has metastasized beyond the prostate.
Biden and his family are currently reviewing treatment options with their medical team. According to the statement released by his office, the cancer is hormone-sensitive, meaning that hormone therapy could be an effective part of managing the disease.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Biden shared a heartfelt message:
“Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”
What Does Stage 4 Mean?
When prostate cancer spreads to distant parts of the body such as bones, it’s classified as stage 4. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that in 2021, approximately 8% of newly diagnosed prostate cancers were already at this advanced stage. Most cases are detected earlier when they are more easily treated.
Biden’s cancer scored a 9 out of 10 on the Gleason scale—a grading system used to assess the aggressiveness of prostate cancer. A score that high is considered “very high risk,” but experts stress that advanced prostate cancer can still be managed for many years. Dr. Herbert Lepor, a leading urologist at NYU Langone, commented, “Many men can live five to ten years or longer with metastatic prostate cancer, especially with today’s treatment advancements.”
Bipartisan Support and Public Reaction
In a rare moment of political unity, former President Donald Trump offered words of sympathy on his platform, Truth Social. “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We send our best wishes to Jill and the entire Biden family and hope for a speedy and successful recovery.”
Vice President Kamala Harris also released a statement, calling Biden a “fighter” and expressing confidence that he would face this health challenge with the strength and resilience that have defined his life and leadership.
Health and Political Legacy
Biden has largely kept a low profile since ending his reelection campaign in July 2024, following a widely criticized debate performance that intensified concerns about his age and cognitive health. He was previously the oldest person ever elected to the presidency—a record now held by Donald Trump, who defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.
During his time in office, Biden revived the Cancer Moonshot initiative, aiming to cut the cancer death rate by 50% over the next 25 years—a mission now made deeply personal.
Biden has endured personal tragedy before, including the loss of his son Beau Biden to brain cancer in 2015. This latest diagnosis has sparked an outpouring of bipartisan support, highlighting the human side of a man who has long been at the center of American politics.
