Former President Joe Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer

On May 18, 2025, former U.S. President Joe Biden’s office announced that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, which has metastasized to his bones.

The diagnosis followed a routine physical examination on May 16, during which a small nodule was discovered in his prostate. Subsequent biopsy and imaging confirmed prostate adenocarcinoma with a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating a highly aggressive cancer.

Medical experts have expressed surprise at the advanced stage of Biden’s cancer, noting that such a condition is typically detected earlier through routine screenings like the PSA blood test.

Dr. Marc Siegel and Dr. Howie Forman voiced concerns about the late detection, especially given Biden’s access to top-tier healthcare. Some have speculated whether the disease was present during his presidency and went undetected or unreported.

Despite the severity of the diagnosis, Biden’s medical team has indicated that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, making it amenable to treatments such as androgen deprivation therapy. While surgery is not an option due to the metastasis, other treatments like radiation or chemotherapy may be considered.

The prognosis for metastatic prostate cancer varies, but with appropriate treatment, patients can manage the disease for several years. The announcement has elicited bipartisan support and well-wishes from across the political spectrum.

Biden’s diagnosis has brought renewed attention to prostate cancer awareness and the importance of regular screenings, especially for men over 50. It also underscores the personal nature of his long-standing commitment to cancer research, notably through initiatives like the Cancer Moonshot, which he championed during his presidency.