Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, as confirmed by a statement from his office. Last week, Biden was admitted to a hospital in Philadelphia, where doctors found a small nodule on his prostate requiring further investigation. The 82-year-old had been experiencing urinary symptoms prior to the diagnosis.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer often begins with symptoms related to urination, such as a weak urine stream, dribbling, and frequent nighttime urination. Blood in the urine can also occur. However, benign prostate enlargement shares similar symptoms, making biopsy and PSA testing essential for accurate diagnosis.
In advanced stages, prostate cancer may spread to bones or lymph nodes, causing bone pain (commonly in the hips, back, or thighs), unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.
Cancer Spread and Aggressiveness
Biden’s spokesperson Kelly Scully stated that the cancer has spread to his bones, a condition seen in about 60% of advanced prostate cancer cases. The cancer is described as highly aggressive with a Gleason score of 9, indicating a fast-growing and more dangerous form of the disease.
Treatment and Management
Although aggressive, the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which means it can be managed effectively. Hormone therapy, which reduces testosterone production or its effect on cancer cells, is a likely treatment. Other options for advanced prostate cancer include chemotherapy and radiation, or a combination of therapies. Biden and his family are currently reviewing treatment choices with medical experts.
Biden’s Health and Public Life
Biden is the oldest person to have served as US president. His cancer diagnosis coincides with renewed public discussion about his mental fitness, especially after a new book revealed concerns about his cognitive health during his presidency. Audio recordings from 2023 interviews describe him as “an elderly man with a poor memory,” fueling debates about his age and capability as a leader.
Since leaving office, Biden has kept a low profile but has started participating in interviews ahead of his book release. Despite his health challenges, cancer has been a personal battle for Biden. His son Beau died of brain cancer in 2015, and during his presidency, Biden championed the “cancer moonshot” initiative to boost cancer research funding and efforts toward a cure.
