Washington (TDI): Former US president Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, according to a statement from his office on Sunday.
Biden, 82, was diagnosed on Friday after reporting urinary symptoms, and he and his family are reviewing treatment options with doctors, according to the statement.
“While this represents a more aggressive form of cancer, the decease appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,” the statement noted.
Cancers that have spread are considered Stage four, the most advanced. Most prostate cancers are diagnosed at an earlier stage.
Of the 236,659 cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in 2021, 70% were diagnosed before the disease had spread beyond the prostate, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. About 8% of new prostate cancer diagnoses that year involved advanced-stage.
Biden’s physical health and mental acuity drew scrutiny during his presidency. He abruptly ended his bid for reelection in July 2023, weeks after a halting performance during a debate against Republican Donald Trump prompted panic among his fellow Democrats.
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President Trump, who has repeatedly criticized Biden since assuming office in January, expressed sympathy on Sunday for Biden and his wife, Jill.
“Melania and I are saddened to hear the news,” he wrote, referring to first lady Melania Trump. “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Biden a fast and full recovery.”
Former US President Barack Obama also offered his sympathies and prayed for a fast and successful recovery for Biden. Obama hoped Biden will fight this challenge with his “trademark resolve and grace.”
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Biden’s office stated the cancer scored a 9 out of 10 on the Gleason score grading system, which is used to help determine the aggressiveness of the disease.
