Joe Biden diagnosed with high-grade prostate cancer: Cancer has spread to bones

On May 18, 2025, the office of former United States President Joe Biden confirmed that the 82-year-old had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, classified as Gleason score 9. The diagnosis follows weeks of worsening urinary symptoms and was confirmed through imaging and biopsy. Further examinations revealed that the cancer had metastasized to his bones, placing it in an advanced stage with systemic involvement. According to the official statement, the cancer remains hormone-sensitive, which opens the door to a range of medical therapies aimed at prolonging survival and quality of life.

This is Biden’s most serious health development since leaving the White House in January 2025, and comes amid increasing scrutiny of aging political leaders. The diagnosis has not only raised public concern about the former president’s condition but also spotlighted the wider issue of late-stage prostate cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among men.

What Does a Gleason 9 Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Mean?

The Gleason scoring system is used to evaluate the aggressiveness of prostate cancer based on the microscopic appearance of cells in biopsy tissue. The scale runs from 6 (least aggressive) to 10 (most aggressive). A Gleason score of 9 is considered “high-grade” and denotes rapidly multiplying cancer cells with poor differentiation. This means the tumour cells look very different from normal prostate cells and are more likely to grow and spread quickly.

In Biden’s case, the Gleason 9 score signifies a high-risk form of prostate cancer that has already extended beyond the gland. While some lower-grade prostate cancers can be managed with surveillance or localized therapy, high-grade cancers often require more immediate and aggressive intervention.

How Serious Is Prostate Cancer That Has Metastasized to the Bones?

Metastatic prostate cancer—especially when it reaches the bones—signals a late-stage illness that is typically considered incurable but treatable. Bone is the most common site for prostate cancer metastasis, and its presence there can result in significant complications such as bone pain, fractures, and spinal cord compression.

Doctors have confirmed that Biden’s cancer is still hormone-sensitive. This indicates that the cancer is still responsive to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), which works by blocking testosterone or stopping its effects on cancer cells. The hormone-sensitive status is critical because it enables first-line treatment strategies that can delay disease progression, sometimes for years.

However, once prostate cancer becomes hormone-resistant, treatment becomes significantly more complex and less effective. This means the coming months will be crucial for Biden’s care team in maintaining disease control during this sensitive window.

What Are the Likely Treatment Options Biden Will Explore?

Biden’s medical team is currently evaluating treatment plans, but standard protocol for patients with high-grade, metastatic, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer typically includes:

Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT): The mainstay treatment, ADT can slow cancer growth by lowering or blocking male hormones.

Next-Generation Hormone Therapies: These include drugs like enzalutamide, abiraterone, or apalutamide that further suppress the cancer’s access to androgens.

Radiotherapy to Bone Lesions: In cases of bone metastasis, targeted radiation may be used to manage symptoms or prevent complications.

Bone-Modifying Agents: Drugs like zoledronic acid or denosumab are often prescribed to strengthen bones and prevent fracture risks.

If the disease advances to a castration-resistant stage, additional chemotherapy or novel radioligand therapies may be considered.

The overarching goal will be to manage the disease chronically, maximize function, and avoid complications—especially given Biden’s age and other health considerations.

Has Joe Biden Faced Health Issues in the Past?

This is not the first time Biden’s health has been in focus. He underwent surgery for two brain aneurysms in 1988 and has historically dealt with atrial fibrillation, a form of irregular heartbeat. However, as of his last White House physical in 2024, Biden was deemed “fit for duty,” with physicians noting good cardiovascular performance and no major impairments.

His health was often discussed during his presidency, given his age, but he remained physically active and was noted for his disciplined fitness routine. This history of resilience, combined with the hormone-sensitive nature of the prostate cancer, provides some optimism regarding his treatment journey.

How Has the Political World Reacted?

Leaders from across the political spectrum offered support following the announcement. Former Vice President Kamala Harris stated that Biden is “a fighter,” referencing his past battles with personal loss and illness, including the death of his son Beau Biden due to brain cancer in 2015. President Donald Trump, despite frequent political clashes with Biden, issued a brief statement wishing him a “fast and successful recovery.”

The bipartisan tone in the aftermath of the diagnosis highlights a rare moment of unity in an increasingly polarized U.S. political environment. Biden has not made a public appearance since the announcement, but sources close to the family indicated that he is in regular communication with his healthcare providers and remains in good spirits.

What Does This Mean for Public Awareness Around Prostate Cancer?

Biden’s diagnosis serves as a high-profile reminder of the risks men face from prostate cancer—especially those over the age of 65. According to the American Cancer Society, roughly 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. However, aggressive and advanced forms, like the one affecting Biden, account for the majority of prostate cancer fatalities.

Routine screening through PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) testing and digital rectal exams is essential for early detection. While guidelines vary, many medical bodies recommend regular screening for men over 50, or earlier if there’s a family history.

Biden’s case may catalyze renewed public health messaging around men’s health, particularly in underserved or aging populations where late detection is more common.

Institutional and Public Sentiment: Will This Shift the Conversation?

Biden’s diagnosis arrives at a moment when aging leadership is under intense public scrutiny. With several senior figures in both parties over 75, the health of politicians has become an increasingly relevant issue in national discourse.

The transparency of Biden’s medical team in disclosing his condition is notable, contrasting with historically vague or delayed disclosures by other public figures. This openness may encourage other leaders to adopt similar practices regarding health disclosures, which could lead to more informed voter trust.

The broader societal impact may also be reflected in policy shifts—either in public health funding for prostate cancer research or in bipartisan support for aging-related health infrastructure.

Looking Ahead: What Comes Next for Biden?

Over the coming weeks, Biden’s team is expected to finalize a treatment protocol based on his response to initial therapies and overall health parameters. Hormone therapy cycles may begin soon, accompanied by close monitoring through blood tests (PSA levels), imaging, and clinical evaluation.

Whether or not Biden returns to a public-facing role will depend on how well his cancer responds and how tolerable the treatment side effects prove. For now, the focus appears to be on stability and maintaining quality of life.

As Americans extend their support, Biden’s battle with advanced prostate cancer serves as a deeply personal yet universally relatable challenge—reminding the nation that even its most prominent leaders are not immune to life’s most formidable trials.