Former United States President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with a severe form of prostate cancer, his office disclosed over the weekend.
In a statement released on Sunday, Biden’s team revealed that the 82-year-old former leader recently sought medical attention after developing persistent urinary symptoms. Following a series of evaluations, doctors discovered a prostate nodule. Further testing confirmed it as prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), which points to a fast-growing, high-grade tumor.
“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management,” the statement explained.
It was also noted that Biden, alongside his family, is in the process of reviewing treatment options with his healthcare providers.
Medical experts, including those cited by Cancer Research UK, explain that a Gleason score of 9 indicates the cancer cells appear highly abnormal and have a strong likelihood of spreading quickly if not promptly treated.
This development comes just months after Biden concluded his presidency in January and has largely stayed away from public appearances since then. His office has not yet specified whether treatment will involve surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy.
