Former US president Biden has 'aggressive form' of cancer diagnosed, his office says

Joe Biden was seen last week by doctors after showing symptoms and a prostate nodule was found

Former US President Joe Biden has had prostate cancer with metastasis to his bones diagnosed, and he and his family are reviewing treatment options, his office said in a statement on Sunday.

The Democrat, 82, was seen last week by doctors after urinary symptoms and a prostate nodule was found. He had prostate cancer diagnosed on Friday, with the cancer cells having spread to his bones.

“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, characterised by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone,” the statement said.

“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management. The president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”

Numerous political figures extended their best wishes to Mr Biden for his swift recovery.

US President Donald Trump said he is “saddened” by the news of Mr Biden's cancer diagnosis.

“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,” Mr Trump, who often ridiculed Mr Biden over his mental sharpness and advanced age, said on social media.

Mr Biden’s vice president, Kamala Harris, said Mr Biden “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”.

Former President Barack Obama said Mr Biden will fight cancer “with his trademark resolve and grace”.

Mr Biden’s advanced age and health were persistent concerns among voters during his tenure, culminating in his withdrawal from the 2024 race after a poor debate performance. His exit paved the way for Ms Harris to become the Democratic nominee, although she lost to Mr Trump, who reclaimed the presidency after four years out of office.

But in recent days, Mr Biden rejected concerns about his age despite reporting in the new book Original Sin by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson that aides had shielded the public from the extent of his decline while serving as president.

In February 2023, Mr Biden had a skin lesion removed from his chest that was a basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer. And in November 2021, he had a polyp removed from his colon that was a benign, but potentially precancerous lesion.

In 2022, Mr Biden made a “cancer moonshot” one of his administration's priorities, with the goal of halving the cancer death rate over the next 25 years. The initiative was a continuation of his work as vice president to address a disease that killed his older son, Beau.