Former president Joe Biden has issued his first public message since it was revealed on Sunday that he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
“Cancer touches us all,” the former president wrote on social media. “Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”
Biden, 82, received the diagnosis on Friday after doctors discovered a “small nodule” on his prostate that required further evaluation.
They have since determined the cancer is “high grade” and has spread to the bone.
The veteran Democrat and his family are currently reviewing treatment options.
After the news was announced, tributes poured in from politicians on both sides of the aisle.
President Donald Trump sent his “warmest and best wishes” to Biden, Barack Obama paid tribute and former vice president Kamala Harris called him a “fighter.”
But the current president’s son, Donald Trump Jr, questioned whether Dr Jill Biden had helped “cover up” her husband’s health scare and MAGA activist Laura Loomer alleged the announcement was a “PR strategy” to distract from a forthcoming book critical of his final year in office.
Key Points
- Joe Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer
- Former president thanks public for support: ‘Cancer touches us all’
- What is metastatic cancer?
- How did Biden’s doctors miss his condition?
- President Donald Trump sends 'warmest and best wishes' to Biden
Dilbert creator reveals he has same aggressive cancer as Biden and only has months to live
19:26 , Rhian LubinThe creator of the Dilbert comics, Scott Adams, has announced he is living with the same type of aggressive cancer as former President Joe Biden.
During a Rumble Studio livestream on Monday, the 67-year-old cartoonist revealed to his followers that he “has prostate cancer that has also spread to my bones.”
“But, I’ve had it longer than [Biden’s] had it. Well, longer than he’s admitted having it,” Adams said. “So my life expectancy is maybe the summer. I expect to be checking out from this domain sometime this summer.”
Inga Parkel reports.
Dilbert creator reveals he has same aggressive cancer as Biden
Biden declared 'healthy' in February 2024
19:00 , Andrew FeinbergAs president, Biden had regular physical examinations at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, that were conducted by Dr. Kevin O’Connor, a former U.S. Army physician who began treating Biden during his time as vice president in the Obama administration.
Though he was the oldest person to serve as commander-in-chief, O’Connor’s reports from those annual exams downplayed his age and invariably pronounced him fit to serve.
One February 2024 memorandum from O’Connor, following Biden’s final annual physical as president, described him as “a healthy, active, robust 81-year-old male, who remains fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency, to include those as Chief Executive, Head of State and Commander in Chief.”
White House: President Trump 'trusts his physicians'
18:30 , Rhian LubinThe White House said that President Donald Trump “trusts” his physicians following former President Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked whether the president is “worried” about the “quality of care that presidents get” following the news about Boden.
“Not as far as President Trump is concerned,” Leavitt replied at a press briefing Monday.
“The White House physician we have here is phenomenal. The team of physicians that take care of the president, particularly at Walter Reed Medical Center, are great. The president had his physical recently, as you know, he had, perfect results. He's in very good shape.”
She added that after the president’s trip to the Middle East, he was working all weekend in the Oval Office. “He doesn't stop. He doesn't quit. He's in great health and he trusts his physicians,” Leavitt said.
Full story: King Charles sends Biden private message of support
18:00 , Rhian LubinKing Charles has sent former President Joe Biden a private message of support, Buckingham Palace said.
When the King was diagnosed with cancer at the start of 2024, Biden expressed his concern.
Biden, who is six years older than the 76-year-old King, told reporters at the time: “I’m concerned about him. Just heard about his diagnosis. I’ll be talking to him, God willing.”
Read the full story.
King sends private message of support to Joe Biden after cancer diagnosis
How did Biden’s doctors miss his condition?
17:30 , Rhian LubinBiden has the most “aggressive” form of prostate cancer because the cells have been characterized by a Gleason score of 9, the most serious grade group, and have “metastasized” to the bone.
To determine how serious a diagnosis is, pathologists grade each sample of prostate cancer cells based on how quickly they are likely to grow or how aggressive they look, with Grade Group 1 being the least aggressive and Grade Group 5 being the most aggressive.
PSA blood testing, a method used to test for prostate-specific antigen, can sometimes have abnormal results, prompting false-positive or false-negative results, according to the American Cancer Society.
Some prostate cancers grow so slowly that they would never cause any problems during a person’s lifetime.
Even if screening detects prostate cancer, at times, medical professionals can’t tell if the cancer is truly dangerous and requires treatment.
Madeline Sherratt reports.
Canadian PM Mark Carney latest world leader to share message of support
17:00 , Rhian LubinCanadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is the latest world leader to share a message of support to former President Joe Biden following his cancer diagnosis.
Carney replied to Biden’s photo with former First Lady Jill Biden posted Monday.
President Biden, I’m thinking of you, the former First Lady, and your family today.
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) May 19, 2025
You’ve always had a deep commitment to family and faith, and I’m hopeful that both will carry you through this.
Watch: Joe Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer
16:30 , Gustaf KilanderKing Charles sends best wishes to Biden in a private message
16:03 , Rhian Lubin, APThe King has written privately to former President Joe Biden after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, Buckingham Palace said.
Charles, who is still undergoing his own treatment for an undisclosed cancer, sent his best wishes to Biden in the wake of his health news.
The King hosted Biden for tea and talks at Windsor in July 2023, with a spokesman for the monarch saying the relationship between the pair had been “extremely cordial”.
Elon Musk endorses conspiracy theory concerning Biden’s cancer diagnosis
15:30 , Joe SommerladThe world’s richest man appeared to sign off on a conspiracy theory from right-wing podcast host Clint Russell on Sunday night accusing the Democrats of forging an “evil” plan to get Joe Biden re-elected last year and then strategically drop out because of his cancer diagnosis to pave the way for Kamala Harris to take the reins.
Here’s Madeline Sherratt to explain.
Elon Musk endorses conspiracy theory around Biden’s cancer diagnosis
Trump has not spoken to Biden, White House says
15:00 , Joe SommerladMy colleague Andrew Feinberg reports that the following question was put to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt just now: “The president put out a very nice message on troop social. Has he talked to President Biden directly? Does he intend to call? What does he intend to say directly?”
She answered: “Not to my knowledge. I don’t believe they have spoken, but I’m sure the president would be open to doing that. I spoke to him last night about the former president’s cancer diagnosis, and the statement that he put out was the initial reaction he had with me on the phone as well.”
She then took this follow up question: “Can you say whether or not President Trump is screening for prostate cancer as part of his physical?”
Leavitt answered: “To the best of my understanding, he is, but we can certainly check in with the White House physician and go back and look at that physical report.”
What does a Gleason score of 9 mean? Biden’s cancer diagnosis explained
14:30 , Joe SommerladThe former president’s office said yesterday his cancer has a Gleason score of nine out of ten.
It also said his cancer “appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management”.
Here’s what that means.
What does a Gleason score of 9 mean? Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis explained
British PM wishes Biden well after cancer diagnosis
14:00 , Jessica CoatesSir Keir Starmer has said he wishes Joe Biden a “swift and successful treatment” after the former U.S. president announced he had been diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer.
“I am very sorry to hear President Biden has prostate cancer,” the PM said.
“All the very best to Joe, his wife Jill and their family, and wishing the President swift and successful treatment.”
Here’s more.
Joe Biden sent wishes for successful treatment after prostate cancer diagnosis
Watch: ‘Saddened’ Donald Trump reacts to Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis
13:40 , Joe Sommerlad‘Thank you for lifting us up’
13:30 , Joe SommerladHere’s Rhian Lubin’s story on Joe Biden’s first public message since yesterday’s news broke.
Joe and Jill Biden post message a day after his ‘aggressive’ cancer is revealed
Biden thanks public for support: ‘Cancer touches us all’
13:20 , Joe SommerladHere’s a new message from the former president this morning thanking people for reaching out after yesterday’s news.
“Cancer touches us all,” he writes.
“Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”
Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support. pic.twitter.com/oSS1vGIiwU
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 19, 2025
Meanwhile, here’s a complete guide to his condition and its treatment.
What we know about Joe Biden’s ‘aggressive’ prostate cancer diagnosis
Don Jr leads MAGA world in spreading conspiracy theories about ‘coverup’ of Biden’s cancer diagnosis
13:00 , Joe SommerladThe president's son wasted little time yesterday in moving on from expressions of sympathy to alleging a further “coverup” of the Democrat’s health issues.
Tom Watling reports.
Don Jr spreads conspiracy theories about ‘coverup’ of Biden’s cancer diagnosis
CNN host describes timing of Biden’s cancer announcement as ‘extraordinary’
12:40 , Joe SommerladThe network’s media pundit Brian Stelter has questioned the timing of former president Joe Biden’s announcement on Sunday that he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, calling it “extraordinary” as the news coincides with a series of negative stories about the Democrat’s final years in the White House.
“The timing is just extraordinary,” Stelter told his CNN colleague Jessica Dean in response to the development.
“Biden learned of the diagnosis Friday. Well what was the biggest Biden story on Friday? It was the release of those excruciating audio excerpts from his conversations with Robert Hur back in 2023.”
He was referring to the leaking of audio on Friday from Biden’s 2023 interview with Justice Department special counsel Robert Hur about allegations that he improperly stored classified documents at his Delaware home, which revealed the president struggling to remember key dates and details, having to be prompted by his lawyers and speaking in a hoarse, whispering voice.
“You have that [audio release] as one element of the timing here,” Stelter continued. “And then you have this book coming out… one of the biggest political books in several years.”
The work in question is the forthcoming Original Sin by Dean’s fellow anchor at the network Jake Tapper with Axios reporter Alex Thompson, which aims to shine a light on the conversations behind the scenes that led to the president’s historic decision last July to drop out of the 2024 race, paving the way for his vice president Kamala Harris to run in his stead and, ultimately, lose to Trump in November.
Here’s more.
CNN host describes timing of Biden’s cancer announcement as ‘extraordinary’
How did Biden’s doctors miss his condition?
12:20 , Joe SommerladHere’s Madeline Sherratt on the questions already being asked about how the Democrat’s condition was missed by White House physicians during his time as commander-in-chief.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer and how common is it?
12:00 , Greg Evans, Joe Sommerlad, Ariana BaioBiden is currently reviewing his treatment options with his family and physicians, his spokesperson said yesterday.
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among men in the U.S., affecting approximately one in eight during their lifetime.
While the condition is more likely to affect men over the age of 65, it can be diagnosed at a younger age.
From symptoms to treatment, here’s everything you need to know about the condition.
Symptoms, prognosis and Gleason score: What to know about prostate cancer
Biden receives tributes from political strategist and gun control advocate
11:30 , Gustaf KilanderDemocratic strategist and political commentator Symone Sanders-Townsend said, “Joe Biden is a fine man, a dedicated public servant, a loving father, husband and grandfather. If you’re a praying person like I am, offer one up.”
Gun control advocate Fred Guttenberg also took to X to praise the former president.
“If you have followed my story, you know how much I love Joe Biden and how much he means to me,” he said.
“He is a testament to decency and civility and all that is good about America. Sending President Biden and his family much love as they now pursue medical options.”
Biden's near-death experiences in the 1980s
11:00 , Andrew FeinbergTwice in the 1980s, Biden had near-death experiences that required him to undergo brain surgery twice within five months.
He described them in a speech delivered at a Jerusalem hospital during a February 2023 visit to Israel.
“I was making a speech and I had a terrible headache — this was years ago — and I did a very stupid thing: I got on an aircraft and I flew home. It turned out I had two cranial aneurysms, and I got rushed to a hospital in the middle of a snowstorm for a nine-and-a-half-hour operation that saved my life,” he recalled, describing the February 1988 trip to Walter Reed Army Medical Centre, then in Northwest Washington DC.
The plane ride Biden spoke of came after he’d passed out in a hotel following a speech at the University of Rochester.
In his 2007 memoir, Promises to Keep, Biden wrote that he recalled having "lightning flashing inside my head, a powerful electrical surge — and then a rip of pain like I'd never felt before”.
At Walter Reed, he was told he needed surgery, with only a 50-50 chance he’d live through the procedure.
"Maybe I should have been frightened at this point, but I felt calm," he wrote. "In fact, I felt becalmed, like I was floating gently in the wide-open sea. It surprised me, but I had no real fear of dying. I'd long since accepted the fact that life's guarantees don't include a fair shake."
But he did survive, and three months later he underwent a similar procedure to fix another, smaller aneurysm on the opposite side from the first.
According to The Daily Beast, the then-senator made a last-minute request of the surgeon, Dr Neal Kassell, as he was being wheeled in for the procedure.
“He looked me in the eye and said: ‘Doc, do a good job, because someday I’m going to be president,’” Dr Kassell said in November 2020, just days after Biden’s prediction finally became reality with his victory over Trump.
Former urologist congressman ‘wonders why’ Biden not fully tested for prostate cancer as president
10:30 , Joe SommerladNorth Carolina Republican Rep. Greg Murphy, a medic by background, has expressed concern as to why Joe Biden was not given both a blood test and a rectal exam while president to determine the likelihood of his having prostate cancer or not.
Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC), a urologist, weighs in on Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis pic.twitter.com/jSCEQvBJFu
— bryan metzger (@metzgov) May 18, 2025
However, according to a physician cited by NBC News, experts do not usually recommend the prostate-specific antigen blood test for men over 70, although he conceded that in some cases it may be warranted.
“It’s a risk-benefit analysis, and given he was vice president and then president, the benefit of screening was high,” Dr Kavita Patel, who worked in the Obama administration, told NBC.
“I have ordered and screened 80- and 86-year-olds if they are otherwise in good health and or have a family history.”
Piers Morgan blasts social media users celebrating Biden's health news
10:00 , Gustaf KilanderBritish journalist and broadcaster Piers Morgan took aim at social media users appearing to celebrate the news of Biden’s cancer.
“I’m going to block anyone I see – and there’s already a lot of this vile crap flying around – mocking, celebrating, or playing partisan politics with Joe Biden’s health news,” he said.
“The man has served his country for 50 yrs and is fighting for his life. Show some bloody respect.”
Former Biden spokesperson TJ Ducklo wrote on the social media platform that “No one in America is stronger than Joe Biden. Mine metastasized to the bones too.
“Cancer has no f***ing idea who it’s dealing with. Betting against Biden has never been and still remains a bad f***ing bet.”
MAGA influencer Laura Loomer claims Biden announcement is ‘PR strategy’
09:30 , Joe SommerladFar-right activist Loomer, who is known to have President Donald Trump’s ear, has decided that now is an appropriate time to say “I told you so” by claiming to have first reported on Biden’s diagnosis to her supporters a year ago.
She also claims the timing of the family’s announcement is intended to shoot down a forthcoming book critical of his final year in the White House, referring to Original Sin by Jakes Tapper and Alex Thompson.
I reported on Biden’s terminal illness almost a year ago.
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) May 18, 2025
Terminal is 6 months to a year left to live. There are always outliers, but I suspect Biden’s treatment isn’t responding anymore which is why the family is only now admitting he is terminally ill.
He could die in the… https://t.co/W7NwWkJDw2
Barack Obama pays tribute to former veep’s own role in supporting new cancer treatments
09:00 , Joe SommerladThe 44th president has offered a moving tribute to the man who stood at his side for eight years in the White House, noting Biden’s own record in advancing cancer treatment through his Cancer Moonshot program and tipping him to recover “with his trademark resolve and grace.”
Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family. Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 18, 2025
Donald Trump Jr pushes Biden cancer conspiracy theory
08:30 , Joe SommerladThe president’s eldest son initially responded graciously to the news of Joe Biden’s illness, saying that he “agreed 100 percent” with best wishes for his speedy recovery.
Agreed 100% pic.twitter.com/ry4aifQtVx
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 18, 2025
But it didn’t take long before he pivoted to conspiracy theories, asking why the former first lady, Dr Jill Biden, who is not a medical doctor, hadn’t diagnosed her husband’s condition before now, suggesting another “coverup” along with that alleged by conservatives to have taken place among Biden aides last year to conceal his supposed cognitive decline ahead of the election.
What I want to know is how did Dr. Jill Biden miss stage five metastatic cancer or is this yet another coverup??? pic.twitter.com/fSqtDmcX4p
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 18, 2025
Biden battled Covid twice during presidency
08:00 , Andrew FeinbergThe former president also battled Covid-19 at two different points during his term, once in 2022 and a second time in July 2024, days before he decided to stand down from his re-election bid after his disastrous debate with Trump.
Before his first bout with Covid, the most serious health problem he had faced since winning the 2020 election had been a broken foot, endured while playing with one of his German Shepherd dogs.
Biden oldest-serving president in American history
07:00 , Gustaf KilanderBiden dropped out of the 2024 rematch against Trump after a disastrous debate in late June last year. Biden appeared frail and struggled to finish sentences. Trump has regularly mocked his predecessor as “Sleepy Joe” and he has frequently blamed the Biden administration for any setbacks during the beginning of his second term.
Democrats have been agonising over their handling of the 2024 election and whether they should have stepped in sooner to urge Biden to step aside. However, there’s no indication that there’s a connection between Biden’s cancer and his physical and verbal struggles, which led to questioning if he was able to serve another four years.
Biden is the oldest-serving president in American history, and his recent announcement puts the focus on the age of other U.S. politicians, including the 78-year-old Trump, who will become the oldest-serving president in history if he serves out his full term in the White House.
Republicans lament Biden's health news
06:00 , Gustaf KilanderTrump’s fellow Republicans commented on the news of Biden’s diagnosis.
Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins said she was “saddened to hear of President Biden’s cancer diagnosis and am wishing him and his family well as he begins treatment.”
North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis said he was “praying for his full recovery.”
Utah Republican Senator Mike Lee lamented the “sad news.”
Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said she was “sorry to see this news. Cancer is truly awful. My Dad passed away in 2021 with cancer. Prays for Joe Biden and his family.”
WATCH: Joe Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer
05:00 , Gustaf KilanderBiden's health dominant concern during presidency
04:30 , APThe health of Biden, 82, was a dominant concern among voters during his time as president. After a calamitous debate performance in June while seeking reelection, 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.
But in recent days, Biden rejected concerns about his age despite reporting in the new book “Original Sin” by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson that aides had shielded the public from the extent of his decline while serving as president.
Not Biden's first cancer diagnosis
04:00 , Andrew FeinbergThis is not the first time he has been diagnosed with a form of cancer.
In March 2023, the White House announced that Biden had undergone a procedure to remove a common type of skin cancer from his chest.
A memorandum from O’Connor released to the press at the time said a biopsy “confirmed that the small lesion” removed from the then-president “was basal cell carcinoma”.
Biden's high cancer score
03:30 , APProstate cancers are given a score called a Gleason score that measures, on a scale of 1 to 10, how the cancerous cells look compared with normal cells. Biden’s score of 9 suggests his cancer is among the most aggressive.
When prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it often spreads to the bones. Metastasized cancer is much harder to treat than localized cancer because it can be hard for drugs to reach all the tumors and completely root out the disease.
However, when prostate cancers need hormones to grow, as in Biden’s case, they can be susceptible to treatment that deprives the tumors of hormones.
Biden White House Press Secretary denied he was suffering from Alzheimer’s
03:00 , Andrew FeinbergFour months after his final physical, Biden’s performance at a June 2024 debate with Donald Trump was so dismal that he was forced to exit the race just five weeks later. During the 90-minute televised session, he appeared frail and was unable to form coherent sentences at times, leading to questions over whether he was suffering from any sort of degenerative condition.
Last July, then-White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre denied that he was suffering from Alzheimer’s, a form of dementia, or another degenerative illness that would explain his rambling, meandering performance. And no evidence has emerged that Biden has been diagnosed with any condition that would have had such an effect on his mental acuity other than the normal aging process.
Biden diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer
02:30 , APFormer President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, his office said Sunday.
Biden was seen last week by doctors after urinary symptoms and a prostate nodule was found. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer on Friday, with the cancer cells having spread to the bone. His office said he has stage 9 cancer.
Read more:
WATCH: Joe Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive form' of prostate cancer
02:00 , Gustaf KilanderBiden had skin lesion removed in early 2023
01:30 , APIn February 2023, Biden had a skin lesion removed from his chest that was a basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer. And in November 2021, he had a polyp removed from his colon that was a benign, but potentially pre-cancerous lesion.
In 2022, 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.
Biden declared 'healthy' in February 2024
01:00 , Andrew FeinbergAs president, Biden had regular physical examinations at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, that were conducted by Dr. Kevin O’Connor, a former U.S. Army physician who began treating Biden during his time as vice president in the Obama administration.
Though he was the oldest person to serve as commander-in-chief, O’Connor’s reports from those annual exams downplayed his age and invariably pronounced him fit to serve.
One February 2024 memorandum from O’Connor, following Biden’s final annual physical as president, described him as “a healthy, active, robust 81-year-old male, who remains fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency, to include those as Chief Executive, Head of State and Commander in Chief.”
Watch: Joe Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer
Monday 19 May 2025 00:45 , Ariana BaioWhat are the symptoms of prostate cancer and how common is it
Monday 19 May 2025 00:20 , Ariana BaioProstate cancer is the most common form of cancer among men in the U.S., affecting approximately one in eight men during their lifetime.
While the condition is more likely to affect men over the age of 65, it can be diagnosed at a younger age.
Read more here:
Symptoms, prognosis and Gleason score: What to know about prostate cancer
Trump ‘saddened’ to hear about Biden’s cancer diagnosis and sends ‘warm wishes’ from him and Melania
Monday 19 May 2025 00:00 , Gustaf KilanderPresident Donald Trump has said he’s “saddened” after his predecessor and rival Joe Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“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,” Trump said on Truth Social.
Read more here:
Trump says he’s ‘saddened’ to hear of Biden’s cancer diagnosis in Truth Social post
Secretary of State Marco Rubio says he is praying for Biden
Sunday 18 May 2025 23:43 , Ariana BaioMarco Rubio, the Secretary of State, issued a short statement acknowledging former president Joe Biden had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“Jeanette and I are united in prayer for the Biden Family during this difficult time,” Rubio wrote on X.
Biden prostate cancer diagnosis: Inside the 82-year-old former president’s health history
Sunday 18 May 2025 23:15 , Andrew FeinbergFormer president Joe Biden’s diagnosis of what his office calls an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer is the latest in a long line of health woes and scares that have followed the 82-year-old throughout his political career.
Read more here:
Biden prostate cancer diagnosis: Inside the 82-year-old ex-president’s health history
Biden's health has been subject to debate for years
Sunday 18 May 2025 23:00 , Ariana BaioAs the oldest person to serve as president of the United States, Joe Biden’s physical and cognitive health has been questioned by political enemies and allies alike.
Whether or not Biden could withstand the stresses of being president for four years became a question when the former president launched his 2020 presidential bid.
Those questions turned into a controversy after Biden took office and then launched a re-election bid.
Any stumble or stutter the former president experienced became headline news, with his opponents heightening fears that Biden was unfit to be president.
Ultimately, Biden’s poor performance during his debate against President Donald Trump solidified the public’s uneasiness with Biden remaining in office.
Kamala Harris says 'Joe is a fighter'
Sunday 18 May 2025 22:58 , Ariana BaioFormer vice president Kamala Harris issued a statement in support of Joe Biden after news broke that the former president had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Harris said she and her husband, Doug Emhoff, were “saddened” to hear the news of the diagnosis.
But she contended that Biden is a “fighter.”
“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 and speedy recovery,” Harris wrote in a post on X.
President Donald Trump sends 'warmest and best wishes' to Biden
Sunday 18 May 2025 22:37 , Ariana BaioPresident Donald Trump said he and First Lady Melania Trump were “saddened” to hear of Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis and extended warm wishes to the former president.
“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday.
Trump and Biden are political opponents and the president has often used the former president as a scapegoat. Throughout the 2024 presidential race, Trump consistently mocked Biden for his age and asserted he was physically and mentally unfit to be president.
What is the Gleason score?
Sunday 18 May 2025 22:35 , Ariana BaioThe Gleason score is the grading system physicians use to determine prostate cancer.
The score is determined after pathologists study tissue samples under a microscope. These samples are graded on a scale from one to five – the higher the score, the more abnormal the cancer cells appear.
A spokesperson for Biden said his prostate cancer was a Grade 5.
Pathologists will pick two separate areas where prostate cancer is found the most and give each sample from each area a score. They then add up the score to determine the Gleason score.
A spokesperson for Biden said his Gleason Score was a 9.
Doctors found a 'small nodule' that led to Biden's cancer diagnosis
Sunday 18 May 2025 22:30 , APA small nodule was found in the prostate of former President Joe Biden during a routine physical exam, a spokesperson said last week.
A short statement said the finding “necessitated further evaluation,” but it was not clear whether that had already taken place or the outcome of the examination.
The detection of nodules in the prostate generally requires a further exam by a urologist.
But as recently as earlier this month, Biden rejected concerns about his age, saying the broader party didn’t buy into that, and instead blaming the Democratic leadership and “significant contributors.”
Gavin Newsom says Biden deserves to live a 'long and beautiful life'
Sunday 18 May 2025 22:09 , Ariana BaioCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom sent prayers to Biden on Sunday after learning of the former president’s diagnosis, saying he “deserves to live a long and beautiful life.”
“Our hearts are with President Biden and his entire family right now. A man of dignity, strength, and compassion like his deserves to live a long and beautiful life. Sending strength, healing and prayers his way,” Newsome wrote.
Republican senators extend thoughts and prayers to Biden
Sunday 18 May 2025 21:57 , Ariana BaioRepublican senators put their political differences aside to send Joe Biden thoughts and prayers after his cancer diagnosis was announced.
“I am saddened to hear of President Biden’s cancer diagnosis and am wishing him and his family well as he begins treatment,” Susan Collins said on X.
Senator Thom Tillis said he and his wife were also “saddened” to hear of the diagnosis and said they were “praying for his full recovery.”
Tributes pour in from across the political spectrum
Sunday 18 May 2025 21:50 , Gustaf KilanderTributes poured in from both sides of the aisle for former President Joe Biden on Sunday after his office announced that he has prostate cancer.
Read some of those tributes here:
Tributes pour in as Joe Biden announces prostate cancer diagnosis
Daughter of John McCain, close friend of Biden's, sends well wishes
Sunday 18 May 2025 21:47 , Ariana BaioMeghan McCain, the daughter of late Senator John McCain, extended well-wishes to Biden and his family after hearing of the diagnosis.
“Cancer is the absolute worst. It is hell. It is incredibly difficult for any family, anywhere that has to deal with it,” McCain wrote, reflecting on her own experience with her father’s cancer.
“Wishing nothing but healing, prayers, light and strength to President Biden and his family. I don’t believe times like these are appropriate for politics,” McCain continued.
John McCain and Biden were close friends for decades, despite belonging to opposite political parties.
Trump ally Marjorie Taylor Greene sends prayers to Biden
Sunday 18 May 2025 21:44 , Ariana BaioMarjorie Taylor Greene, a far-right Republican in the House and close ally of President Donald Trump, sent “prays” to Biden and his family after it was announced the former president has prostate cancer.
“I’m sorry to see this news. Cancer is truly awful. My Dad passed away in 2021 with cancer. Prays for Joe Biden and his family,” Greene wrote on X.
What does metastatic cancer mean?
Sunday 18 May 2025 21:41 , Ariana BaioBiden’s doctors determined his form of prostate cancer is “metastasis to the bone,” meaning the cancer has spread from its original location to another part of the body.
Many types of cancer can be metastatic and have the capacity to spread to bones however, some forms of cancer, such as prostate or breast cancer, are more likely to, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Joe Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer
Sunday 18 May 2025 21:37 , Gustaf KilanderFormer President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer, his office has announced.
A spokesperson for the ex-commander-in-chief said on Sunday that the diagnosis was made on Friday after doctors found a small nodule on Biden’s prostate, which needed further evaluation.
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Joe Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer
Joe Biden diagnosed with prostate cancer
Sunday 18 May 2025 21:33 , Ariana BaioFormer president Joe Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, a spokesperson for the former president said in a statement on Sunday.
Biden, 82, was received the diagnosis on Friday after going in for an evaluation due to a “small nodule” on his prostate.
The spokesperson for Biden said he was reviewing treatment options with his family and physicians.
