Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, which is deemed “aggressive”, as the illness has spread to his bones.
According to a statement from his office yesterday (May 18), Biden was diagnosed with cancer on Friday (May 16) after he visited the doctor for urinary symptoms. His cancer is classified as “high-grade”, characterised by a Gleason score of 9 out of 10, and could spread quickly.
The cancer, however, is likely to be manageable as it is hormone-sensitive, and Biden’s family is said to be reviewing the treatment options.
“Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms.”
“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management,” the statement said.
Biden’s diagnosis made headlines, and President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social account, saying that his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, and he are saddened by the news.
“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, also wished the former president well. In her statement posted on X, Kamala said,
“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.”
“We are hopeful for a full recovery.”
Joe Biden, who is 82 this year, left the White House last January after serving his presidential term as the 46th US President that started on January 20, 2021.
