Former US President diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Former President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, according to a statement from his office on Sunday. 

Biden, who left office in January, was diagnosed after visiting a doctor last week due to urinary symptoms. 

The cancer has been identified as a more aggressive form of the disease, with a Gleason score of 9 out of 10. 

This classification indicates that it is “high-grade,” meaning the cancer cells have the potential to spread quickly, as noted by Cancer Research UK.

Biden and his family are currently reviewing treatment options. His office mentioned that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, suggesting it could potentially be managed effectively. 

In the statement released on Sunday, Biden’s office explained: “Last week, President Joe Biden was evaluated for the discovery of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. 

On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterised by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone. 

While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management.”

Following the announcement of his diagnosis, the former president received support from both political parties. 

President Donald Trump expressed his condolences on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating that he and First Lady Melania Trump were “saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis.” 

He continued, “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family. We wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”

Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who served under Biden, wrote on X that she and her husband, Doug Emhoff, are keeping the Biden family in their prayers. 

“Joe is a fighter, and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership,” Harris stated.

In a post on X, Barack Obama, who served as president from 2009 to 2017 with Joe Biden as his vice president, expressed that he and his wife, Michelle, were “thinking of the entire Biden family.” 

“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. 

We pray for a fast and full recovery,” Obama stated. In 2016, Obama tasked Biden with leading a “cancer moonshot” government-wide research program.

In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his concern, saying, “I am very sorry to hear President Biden has prostate cancer. 

All the very best to Joe, his wife Jill, and their family, and I wish the president swift and successful treatment.”

This news comes nearly a year after the former president was forced to drop out of the 2024 US presidential election due to concerns about his health and age. 

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer affecting men, trailing only skin cancer, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that 13 out of every 100 men will develop prostate cancer at some point in their lives, with age being the most significant risk factor.

Biden lost his eldest son, Beau, to brain cancer in 2015.

For more news updates, tune in to NRG Radio or download the NRG Play App on your phone