Joe Biden diagnosed with prostate cancer

by Mick the Ram

Former US president Joe Biden has been diagnosed with what has been described as an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer.

The 82-year-old who left the White House in January, was seen by doctors last week with “urinary symptoms” and on 16 May he was given the news that the condition had spread into his bones. 

The diagnosis was made after doctors found a small nodule on the former president’s prostate, which required further evaluation.

Prostate cancers are rated with what is known as a Gleason score, measured between one and ten on how the cancerous cells look compared with normal cells, and Mr Biden scored a nine.

It has also been given a Grade Group of 5 – the highest. That means the cancer has poor differentiation from normal cells and will grow rapidly.

According to a cancer charity it appears to be hormone-sensitive, which does allow for effective management and it is understood that the former leader and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians. 

When prostate cancers need hormones to grow, targeted therapy can deprive these tumours of these hormones, making treatment more effective.

In the US, prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, second only to skin cancer. It mostly affects men over the age of 50. 

In February 2023, the former president had a skin lesion removed from his chest that was a basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer.

Metastasised cancer is however harder to treat than one which stays in one place, simply because as it has spread around the body, it makes it much more difficult for drugs to reach and destroy all the tumours.

Mr Biden was the oldest person to ever serve as president, with concerns about his health raised regularly, especially during his campaign for re-election last year.

After a poor debate against Donald Trump in the June, he withdrew from the election running and instead endorsed the then vice president, Kamala Harris.

Ms Harris wrote on X: “Doug and I are saddened to learn of Joe’s diagnosis; but he is a fighter – and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”

President Trump posted on his Truth Social that he was “saddened” by the news, adding: “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”

The ex-commander-in-chief is currently at his home in Wilmington, Delaware.