Former US President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an advanced form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, as confirmed by his office in a statement released on Sunday.
The diagnosis came following Biden’s experience of urinary symptoms, leading to him and his family exploring treatment options with doctors.
The big picture: Biden’s cancer is hormone-sensitive and scored 9 out of 10 on the Gleason scale, highlighting the aggressive nature of the disease.
- Typically, cancers that have metastasized to the bones are classified as Stage 4, indicating an advanced stage of the cancer.
- Despite the advanced stage, the cancer being hormone-sensitive provides hope for effective management and treatment.
- President Trump expressed sympathy for Biden, wishing him a fast and successful recovery, along with support from various Democratic and Republican figures.
Go deeper: Biden’s health and mental acuity were subjects of scrutiny during his presidency, with concerns raised about his age and fitness for office.
- Biden’s family history includes the loss of his son Beau Biden to brain cancer in 2015, leading to Biden’s establishment of the Cancer Moonshot program in 2022 to combat cancer-related deaths.
- The diagnosis prompted reflections on Biden’s presidential legacy, age, and decision-making during his time in office, with politicians acknowledging previous concerns raised by voters.
