Joe Biden: Former US President diagnosed with ‘aggressive form’ of prostate cancer
Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an “aggressive form” of prostate cancer.
A statement from Mr Biden’s office revealed he was seen by doctors last week after experiencing urinary symptoms, during which a prostate nodule was discovered.
“On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterised by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone,” the statement read.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management.
“The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”
Prostate cancers are assigned a Gleason score, which measures how abnormal the cancerous cells appear compared to normal cells. A Gleason score of nine indicates a highly aggressive form of prostate cancer.
The health of Mr Biden, 82, was a dominant concern among voters during his time as President. After a calamitous debate performance in June while seeking reelection, Mr Biden abandoned his bid for a second term.
Then-Vice President Kamala Harris became the nominee and lost to Republican Donald Trump, who returned to the White House after a four-year hiatus.
In February 2023, Mr Biden had a skin lesion removed from his chest that was a basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer. Additionally, in November 2021, he had a polyp removed from his colon that was a benign, but potentially pre-cancerous lesion.
In 2022, Mr Biden made a “cancer moonshot” one of his administration’s priorities with the goal of halving the cancer death rate over the next 25 years. The initiative was a continuation of his work as Vice President to address a disease that had killed his older son, Beau.
Mr Trump has extended his well wishes to the Biden family following the news of the diagnosis.
“Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery,” he wrote on Truth Social.
- With AAP
