Former U.S. President Joe Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive form’ of prostrate cancer; President Trump wishes ‘successful recovery’

Former U.S. President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an ‘aggressive form of prostate cancer’ that has metastasized to his bones, Biden’s office confirmed in a statement on Sunday.

The diagnosis came after Biden experienced urinary symptoms, prompting medical evaluation on Friday, reported Reuters.

Biden’s office also noted that while the cancer is in an advanced stage, it looks like it is hormone sensitive. Therefore, potential treatment options are available.

“The president and his family are currently reviewing management plans with his medical team,” the statement read.

Prostate cancer that spreads beyond the gland is classified as Stage 4, the most severe stage. According to the CDC, only about 8% of new prostate cancer cases in 2021 were diagnosed at this advanced stage, with most detected earlier.

Biden’s health has been the topic of intense scrutiny during his presidency, i.e. from 2021-2025. It reached a crescendo after a shaky debate last summer against the then Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, leading to calls for Biden to withdraw from the race. In particular, a scathing op-ed written by Hollywood actor George Clooney, and calls from others in the Democratic ecosystem, led to Biden relinquishing the race and handing over the baton to the then Vice President, Kamala Harris.

After the news of Biden’s health became public, President Trump, who has frequently criticized Biden, offered rare sympathy in a Truth Social post Sunday, writing: “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.”

Medical reports indicate Biden’s cancer scored a nine on the Gleason scale—a system grading prostate cancer aggressiveness—placing him in a high-risk category.