Former US President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The cancer has spread to his bones, and doctors say it is a serious type of the disease.
A statement from Biden’s office on Sunday confirmed that he saw a doctor last week because he was having problems passing urine. Tests showed he had prostate cancer, and it was found to be a fast-growing kind with a Gleason score of 9 out of 10. This means it could spread quickly, according to health experts.
His office also said the cancer is “hormone-sensitive,” which means it might be controlled with special treatments. Biden and his family are now looking at different treatment options.
The news has brought messages of support from many leaders and politicians. President Donald Trump wrote on his social media page that he and his wife Melania were sad to hear about Biden’s illness and sent best wishes to Joe and his family.
Former Vice-President Kamala Harris also sent her prayers, calling Biden “a fighter” who would face this challenge with strength.
Former President Barack Obama said he and his wife Michelle were thinking of the Biden family and wished him a quick recovery. “Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe,” Obama added.
In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer shared a message of support, wishing Biden a fast and successful treatment.
This health problem comes almost a year after Biden dropped out of the 2024 US presidential election due to concerns about his health and age. He was later replaced by Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, after skin cancer. Health experts say that 13 out of every 100 men will get prostate cancer at some time in their lives, with older age being the biggest risk.
A doctor from the American Cancer Society, William Dahut, told the BBC that Biden’s cancer is a very aggressive type. He explained that when prostate cancer spreads to the bones, it is usually not curable, but with good treatment, patients can still live for many years.
Biden has stayed away from the public since leaving office. He made a few appearances earlier this year and spoke in a conference for people with disabilities in April.
In May, he gave an interview where he said it was hard for him to leave the 2024 race, but it was the right decision.
Joe Biden has always supported cancer research. In 2022, he and his wife Jill started the “Cancer Moonshot” programme again, hoping to help stop millions of cancer deaths by 2047.
Biden also lost his eldest son, Beau, to brain cancer in 2015.
