Aggressive prostate cancer that has spread to Joe Biden’s bones was discovered in the former president.
The former president has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, according to a statement released by Joe Biden’s personal office on Sunday.
“Last week, President Joe Biden underwent evaluation due to a newly identified prostate nodule following increased urinary symptoms,” the statement said. He received a prostate cancer diagnosis on Friday, which was characterized by bone metastases and a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5).
“Even though this is a more severe form of the disease, the cancer seems to be hormone-sensitive, which enables effective management,” it went on.
The statement said that the 82-year-old Biden and his family are now “reviewing treatment options with their medical team.”
“Cancer touches all of us,” Biden wrote on X (previously Twitter) on Monday.
We have “learned that we are strongest in our most broken places,” he continued, referring to his wife, former First Lady Jill Biden. We are grateful for your love and support, which have lifted us up.
This information follows a spokesperson’s statement that Biden was examined for a “small nodule” discovered on his prostate.
Expert Opinions
“Prostate cancer is very common,” stated Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine and urologist and robotic surgeon at Orlando Health who is not involved in Biden’s care. Most men typically get tiny malignant cells as they age.
The Gleason score is used to assess prostate cancer based on the appearance of the cancer cells under a microscope.
A Gleason score of nine denotes one of the most aggressive types of prostate cancer, according to Dr. Benjamin Davies, a professor of urologic oncology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (who was also not involved in Biden’s case).
According to a person with knowledge of the situation, Biden is in his Wilmington, Delaware, home right now. CNN has asked where he is receiving treatment.
Health Issues During the 2024 Presidential Campaign
As the oldest president in American history, Biden’s age and health have long been a source of worry. Following his performance in a June 2024 debate against Donald Trump, those worries intensified.
Dr. Kevin O’Connor oversaw Biden’s physical examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in February 2024. His doctor at the time said Biden was “fit for duty” and reported “no new concerns.”
Biden had been exhibiting signs of decline before to the debate, but his aides either disregarded or explained them away, according to a new book written by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson of Axios. According to the book, during a possible second term, several aides had a private conversation about whether he may use a wheelchair. It also describes a fundraiser in June 2024 where Biden allegedly failed to identify star George Clooney.
Biden has maintained a low profile since leaving the White House, but he has just begun to make a comeback. When Joseph and Jill Biden appeared on ABC’s The View earlier this month, they denied rumors that he was suffering from cognitive decline.
“They’re mistaken,” Biden declared. “There is no evidence to support that.”
“The authors of these books weren’t with us in the White House,” Jill Biden continued. They were blind to the amount of effort Joe put forth each and every day. He would get up and work all day, and then at night while I was reading in bed, he would continue to work with staff and review briefings over the phone.
The Reaction of Trump and Other Leaders
Despite Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 campaign, former President Donald Trump, who has frequently lambasted Biden, put politics aside in the wake of the diagnosis.
The news of Joe Biden’s recent illness diagnosis saddens Melania and me. We hope Joe recovers quickly and fully, and we send our best wishes to Jill and the family,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Doug and I are deeply saddened to hear about President Biden’s diagnosis,” wrote Vice President Kamala Harris on X, who took over the Democratic campaign when Biden left. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, Dr. Biden, and their whole family during this difficult time. Joe is a warrior, and I have no doubt that he will approach this task with the same fortitude, tenacity, and hope that have always characterized his life and leadership.
Although the diagnosis is serious, experts say there is hope.
Other variables, such as PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) levels, imaging tests, and biopsy results, in addition to the Gleason score, aid in determining the behavior of the cancer and the most effective course of treatment.
Even those with high-risk prostate cancer “can live a beautiful, normal life as long as the cancer is treated,” according to Dr. Brahmbhatt.
The highly individualized course of treatment may involve radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy.
Biden’s Individual Struggle with Cancer
For Biden, cancer has been a very personal matter. In 2015, his son Beau, a former Delaware Attorney General and Iraq War veteran, died at the age of 46 from brain cancer.
Vice President Biden was assigned by then-President Barack Obama to spearhead the White House’s cancer “moonshot” effort in 2016, which aimed to advance cancer research and treatment. “I’m not naïve about the challenges ahead, but I’ve never been more hopeful that we can do big things,” Biden stated at the time.
With the audacious objective of halving cancer fatalities over the following 25 years, Biden relaunched the program in 2022 under the new name “Cancer Moonshot.”
He said, “We are mobilizing efforts across the country to reduce cancer deaths and support patients and families,” when he announced $150 million in new research funding in August of last year. I think we can accomplish this.
Supporting Words from Clinton and Obama
In their supportive remarks, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama emphasized Biden’s long history of fighting cancer.
“Considering the Bidens as they confront this diagnosis—a disease they have done so much to help other families avoid,” Clinton wrote on X. I hope you heal completely and quickly.
Obama went on to say:
“The whole Biden family is on Michelle and my mind. Joe has done more than anyone else to promote a cure for cancer in all its manifestations. I have no doubt that he will meet this challenge with his usual poise and resolve. We’re hoping for a complete and quick recovery.
Although the aggressive nature of President Biden’s cancer and its metastasis to the bones make his diagnosis extremely severe, doctors believe there is some good news: hormone therapy seems to be working. This indicates that with the right medical attention, the issue can still be managed despite its critical nature.
“Prostate cancer is very common,” said Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a robotic surgeon and urologist at Orlando Health who is not treating Biden. Most men will have some malignant cells in their prostate as they become older. He underlined that many patients with high-risk prostate cancer can still lead healthy, meaningful lives if they receive the proper treatment, which is customized for each patient.
Comprehending the Medical Information
To determine how serious prostate cancer is, doctors employ a number of methods. The Gleason score, which is based on how cancer cells appear under a microscope, is among the most significant. Biden has one of the highest scores—9—which denotes an aggressive style. However, that doesn’t imply it’s incurable, as Dr. Benjamin Davies of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center said, particularly if it’s detected early and reacts to treatment.
Imaging scans, biopsy data, and blood PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels are further significant medical signs. These aid physicians in determining the best course of action.
Brahmbhatt also mentioned that radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy are possible forms of treatment. A variety of treatments are frequently employed, and the plan is tailored to the patient’s particular ailment and general health.
Biden’s Individual Cancer Experience
For Joe Biden, cancer has always been a very personal matter. In 2015, his oldest son, Beau Biden, a former Attorney General of Delaware and Iraq War veteran, passed away at the age of 46 from brain cancer. Biden was deeply affected by this loss, which made him even more determined to combat cancer.
Biden was named the head of the White House Cancer Moonshot Task Force by then-President Barack Obama in 2016. The objective was lofty: to significantly advance cancer research, treatment, and prevention.
Biden had stated at the time, “I’m not naïve about the challenges ahead, but I’ve never been more hopeful that we can do big things.”
President Biden revived the Cancer Moonshot program in 2022, establishing a national target to cut the cancer death rate by at least 50% within the following 25 years. As part of this effort, he pledged $150 million in new research funding in August 2023.
Biden declared, “We’re mobilizing the nation to improve support for patients and their families and reduce cancer deaths by half.” I genuinely think we can succeed.
Assistance From Public and Leaders
Support for Biden has poured in from all political parties since he was diagnosed with cancer.
On X (previously Twitter), former President Barack Obama posted: “Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family.” Joe has done more than anybody else to aid in the search for treatments for all types of cancer. We’re hoping for a quick and complete recovery.
“I’m thinking of the Bidens as they face this new battle—a disease they’ve worked so hard to help other families overcome,” said former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who also commended Biden’s efforts and sent her best wishes. I hope you heal completely and quickly.
Despite their political competition, former President Donald Trump also expressed condolences, writing, “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis.” Trump wrote on Truth Social, “We wish Joe a quick and full recovery and send our warmest thoughts and best wishes to Jill and the family.”
Following Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 election, Vice President Kamala Harris assumed leadership of the Democratic campaign and wrote:
The news of President Biden’s diagnosis has devastated Doug and me. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, Dr. Biden, and their whole family. Joe is a warrior, and I have no doubt that he will approach this task with the same fortitude, tenacity, and hope that have characterized his life and leadership.
What’s Up Next
The 82-year-old Biden is now at his Wilmington, Delaware, residence reviewing treatment options with his physicians. Citing privacy concerns, a spokesman refused to offer specifics regarding the location of his therapy.
His age and health were already being extensively debated at the time of his illness, especially in light of his dismal debate performance during the 2024 election campaign. Biden eventually resigned from the race as a result of the debate’s increased attention.
Biden had already begun to deteriorate before to the debate, and aides were worried about his endurance, according to a new book written by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson of Axios. According to the book, during a second term, some staff members had talked about the possibility of using a wheelchair for him. Additionally, it claims that during a June 2024 fundraiser, Biden failed to acknowledge star George Clooney.
Biden has made an effort to project a composed and resolute public persona in spite of these allegations. When he and his wife Jill appeared on ABC’s “The View” earlier this month, they denied rumors that he was experiencing cognitive deterioration.
“They’re mistaken,” Biden declared. “That notion is unsupported by any evidence.”
“The authors of those books weren’t with us in the White House,” Jill Biden continued. They were blind to Joe’s daily labors. He would get up, work all day, and even late at night, while I was reading in bed, he would still be reading briefings or talking on the phone.
Many people are thinking back on President Biden’s efforts in the fight against cancer as he now focuses on his health, and they hope he can prevail in this most recent conflict as well.
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