Former US President Joe Biden Receives Prostate Cancer Diagnosis With Aggressive Gleason Score

On Sunday, Joe Biden, the former President of the United States, received a prostate cancer diagnosis, which was disclosed by his office. Medical evaluations conducted during the week uncovered this concerning condition after Biden exhibited urinary symptoms. An initial physical examination revealed a small nodule in his prostate, leading to more in-depth testing. By the end of the week, it was confirmed that Biden's prostate cancer had metastasized to his bones, indicating an advanced and more aggressive form of the disease.

The seriousness of Biden's cancer is underscored by a Gleason score of 9, categorizing it as highly aggressive. The Gleason scoring system, ranging from 1 to 10, assesses the abnormality of cancer cells relative to normal cells, with higher scores indicating more aggressive cancer. Despite the aggressive nature of Biden's cancer, it has been reported to be hormone-sensitive, which is seen as a positive sign for treatment efficacy. "While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management," stated Biden's office. They also noted that Biden and his family are currently reviewing various treatment options with his healthcare team.

Biden's health has been a topic of public discussion, especially during and after his presidency. Notably, in February 2023, while still serving as President, he had a lesion from his chest removed, which was later identified as basal cell carcinoma by White House physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor. Dr. O'Connor reassured the public that all cancerous tissue had been successfully excised and that no further treatment was necessary at the time. He also mentioned that basal cell carcinoma, unlike other forms of skin cancer, typically does not spread but can grow larger and become more problematic if not addressed. Prior to his presidency, Biden had undergone Mohs surgery to remove non-melanoma skin cancers. In 2023, Dr. O'Connor remarked that the biopsy site had healed well and confirmed that Biden would continue regular skin check-ups.

Despite being declared "fit for duty" by Dr. O'Connor as recently as February 2024, Biden has faced ongoing public scrutiny regarding his age and mental fitness. These concerns are believed to have played a significant role in his decision not to seek re-election in 2024. Since his departure from office in January, Biden has maintained a relatively low public profile, though he has made some appearances in media interviews, notably discussing US President Trump's first 100 days back in the White House.

Reports from ABC News and The New York Times earlier in the week highlighted that Biden was undergoing medical evaluations after the discovery of the prostate nodule. The New York Times detailed that Biden spent a Friday at a Philadelphia hospital for further tests. A spokesperson informed ABC News on Tuesday, "This 82-year-old former US President Joe Biden is undergoing medical evaluation after doctors discovered a small nodule in his prostate during a routine physical exam."

In sum, the diagnosis of prostate cancer in former President Joe Biden underscores the challenges even high-profile individuals face with health issues. The aggressive nature of his cancer, paired with his prior medical history, has brought Biden's health back into the spotlight. As he and his family consider their options, the situation serves as a poignant reminder of the universal vulnerability to health concerns, regardless of one's status or position.