Former President Joe Biden Diagnosed with Cancer
Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive and advanced form of prostate cancer, according to a statement released by his personal office on Sunday. The 82-year-old statesman, who served as the 46th president of the United States, is said to be in consultation with his physicians and family to review potential treatment options. The cancer, officials confirmed, has metastasized to his bones, indicating a late-stage progression of the disease.
“This diagnosis has come as a difficult moment for the Biden family,” the statement read. “President Biden has been informed he is facing an aggressive form of prostate cancer which has spread to the bones. He is currently working closely with a team of leading oncologists and medical professionals to assess the best course of treatment.”
The announcement has sent shockwaves through Washington and the broader political world, drawing responses from leaders across the political spectrum. President Kamala Harris, Biden’s former running mate and successor in the White House, posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Joe has always met adversity head-on—with courage, dignity, and determination. My heart is with him, Jill, and the entire Biden family during this challenging time.”
A Serious Diagnosis
Prostate cancer is among the most common cancers affecting men, particularly those over the age of 65. While many forms of prostate cancer are slow-growing and manageable with early intervention, aggressive types that metastasize to bones represent a far more severe prognosis. According to the American Cancer Society, metastatic prostate cancer can be treated but is generally not curable, though survival rates have improved with new therapies and clinical trials in recent years.
Metastatic cancer to the bones often leads to increased pain and can severely impact mobility and quality of life. Treatment may involve a combination of hormone therapy, chemotherapy, radiation, and newer targeted treatments aimed at slowing the spread and alleviating symptoms.
Biden’s physicians have not released details about when the cancer was discovered, what prompted medical testing, or the stage of cancer. The statement did not specify whether Biden is experiencing symptoms or whether treatment has already begun, though it noted that he remains under close observation.
A Life of Service and Resilience
Throughout his decades-long political career, Biden has been a symbol of resilience, often leaning on personal hardship to connect with the American public. He was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972 at just 29 years old but lost his wife Neilia and daughter Naomi in a tragic car accident shortly after his election. His son Beau Biden, an Iraq War veteran and Delaware Attorney General, died of brain cancer in 2015—a loss that deeply affected the former president and played a central role in shaping his public and private life.
“Joe has faced more than his share of personal heartbreak,” said former President Barack Obama in a statement Sunday afternoon. “And every time, he’s shown a remarkable ability to endure, to lead, and to bring people together. Michelle and I are keeping him in our prayers.”
Despite his age and health challenges in recent years, Biden remained an active figure in American political life, even after leaving office. While he did not seek reelection in 2024, citing a desire to step back from public life, he continued to speak on issues related to democracy, foreign policy, and economic equity.
Political and Public Response
News of Biden’s diagnosis prompted a wave of support from across the political spectrum. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a press release: “We may disagree on policy, but Joe Biden has always been a man of grit, character, and dedication. I wish him strength and healing in the days ahead.”
Public response has also been significant, with many Americans taking to social media to share messages of support and recount moments where Biden’s empathy, particularly regarding cancer-related issues, touched their lives.
During his presidency, Biden launched the Cancer Moonshot initiative, an ambitious national program aimed at advancing cancer research and improving outcomes through data-sharing, equity in healthcare access, and funding for clinical innovation. The initiative was inspired in part by his son Beau’s battle with glioblastoma.
“In a cruel twist of fate, the man who made curing cancer a national mission is now facing it himself,” said Dr. Lisa Gordon, an oncologist and cancer policy advisor. “But the work he championed continues—and may very well contribute to his own treatment options.”
Looking Ahead
For now, Biden’s team says the former president is taking time with his family as they weigh treatment paths. Options could include systemic therapies to slow the spread of cancer, clinical trial enrollment, or palliative care designed to manage symptoms and preserve quality of life.
“President Biden appreciates the outpouring of support and well wishes,” the statement concluded. “He remains in good spirits and is grateful for the strength and love of his family, his faith, and the American people.”
No timeline has been offered for future updates, but the office confirmed that they will share new information as appropriate. As the nation watches with heavy hearts, many are reminded once again of Biden’s words from the eulogy he gave at his son’s funeral: “A parent never expects to outlive their child. But we go on, because we must.”
Now, as he faces his own health battle, Americans of all political stripes are rallying behind one of the country’s most enduring and empathetic leaders—hoping he can once again rise to meet adversity with grace, resolve, and courage.
