‎Former President Joe Biden diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer with bone metastasis

Former U.S. President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an advanced and aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, his office confirmed in a statement released Sunday. The diagnosis follows medical evaluation last week at a Philadelphia hospital after Biden experienced increased urinary symptoms.

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Former U.S. President Joe Biden at a conference hosted by the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled on April 15 in Chicago.

‎Scott Olson/Getty Images

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‎According to the statement, a biopsy confirmed prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9 — placing it in Grade Group 5, the most aggressive classification on the Gleason scale. The Gleason scoring system, which ranges from 1 to 10, helps gauge the severity and likely behavior of prostate tumors.

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‎“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management,” the statement noted. Biden and his family are currently reviewing treatment options with his physicians.

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‎The revelation marks a significant development in the post-presidency health of the oldest person ever to serve as U.S. President. In February 2024, Biden had reportedly shown “no new concerns” in a routine physical at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Sunday’s announcement indicates a sharp health turn in just over a year.

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‎Biden, who stepped aside from the 2024 presidential race after a contentious debate performance and rising concerns over his cognitive health, recently re-emerged in public discourse, challenging Donald Trump on foreign policy issues, including U.S. support for Ukraine and controversial remarks about territories like Greenland and the Panama Canal.

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‎However, public scrutiny intensified following the release of Original Sin, a book that delves into Biden’s final year in office, reigniting debates on his cognitive fitness. Additionally, leaked audio from a 2023 special counsel interview on Biden’s handling of classified documents has added to growing concern among political observers.

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‎In a recent appearance on ABC’s The View, Biden directly addressed these concerns, stating, “They are wrong. There is nothing to sustain that,” referring to allegations about his mental decline.

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‎The former president’s health update now adds another layer to the narrative surrounding the twilight of his political career. As the Biden family navigates treatment decisions, the announcement is likely to spark renewed discussions about age, health, and leadership in American politics.