President Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer

May 20, 2025: Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, according to an official statement released by his office. The cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), has metastasized to his bones—indicating an advanced stage of the disease.

Timeline and Medical Evaluation

Biden, 82, reportedly began experiencing urinary symptoms earlier this spring. Following a series of diagnostic tests, including PSA screening and imaging, physicians identified a small but malignant nodule on the prostate. A biopsy confirmed a high-grade tumor with evidence of metastatic spread to skeletal tissue.

Medical experts interpret a Gleason 9 score as representing one of the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer, associated with rapid progression and reduced treatment responsiveness. The presence of bone metastases further complicates management, limiting options to palliative or systemic therapies rather than curative surgery or localized radiation.

Treatment Outlook and Public Disclosure

His medical team is pursuing hormonal therapy combined with advanced androgen deprivation regimens and chemotherapy, aiming to slow the progression and manage symptoms. Immunotherapy and clinical trials may also be considered depending on molecular test results. Biden’s office emphasized that he remains “in good spirits” and receives care at a Washington-based military medical facility.

While Biden has not held public office since leaving the presidency, his diagnosis has triggered renewed attention to presidential health transparency, especially given the political climate surrounding the upcoming election cycle.

Public Reaction and Political Impact

Reactions across the political spectrum have mainly been measured, with current administration officials expressing support while refraining from speculating on broader implications. Democratic Party leadership is closely monitoring developments given Biden’s continued public influence and fundraising role.

The announcement also adds urgency to broader conversations about health screening in aging public figures, continuity planning, and leadership fitness in high-stress roles, especially amid ongoing debates around term limits and cognitive health disclosures in senior political leaders.