Former President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer, his office confirmed Sunday. According to a spokesperson, the diagnosis was made on Friday after doctors discovered a small nodule on Biden’s prostate that required additional testing.
“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,” the statement said per the Independent.
“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,” the spokesperson continued. “The president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is an American politician who served as the 46th president of the United States from 2021 to 2025. His political career spans over five decades, beginning with his election to the U.S. Senate from Delaware in 1972 at the age of 29, making him one of the youngest individuals ever elected to the Senate. During his 36-year tenure in the Senate, Biden chaired the Judiciary and Foreign Relations Committees, playing a significant role in legislation such as the Violence Against Women Act.
In 2008, Biden was selected as Barack Obama’s running mate, serving two terms as vice president from 2009 to 2017. In 2020, he defeated incumbent President Donald Trump to become the oldest person elected to the presidency at age 78. His administration focused on addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, infrastructure development, and climate change. Notable legislative achievements include the American Rescue Plan Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Biden’s presidency faced challenges such as the withdrawal from Afghanistan, rising inflation, and concerns about his age and cognitive health. In July 2024, amid mounting pressure and after a widely criticized debate performance, he announced he would not seek re-election, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. Despite personal tragedies, including the loss of his first wife and daughter in a car accident and his son Beau to brain cancer, Biden’s resilience and dedication to public service have been defining aspects of his career.