So, here we are — former President Joe Biden has just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and yep, it’s that kind of “particularly aggressive” variety that makes headlines and prompts all kinds of other feelings, too. Now, I can’t help but wonder: given that Mercury is doing its usual chaotic dance this week—messing with communications and throwing a wrench in folks’ plans—did the universe just add a little cosmic curveball to the mix? I mean, the timing… it sure stirs the pot.
Last Sunday, Biden’s office dropped the news that the 82-year-old statesman is facing a diagnosis sporting a Gleason score of 9, complete with bone metastasis. Scary stuff, no question. But here’s a silver lining — the cancer seems hormone-sensitive, offering a sliver of hope for management and treatment. It’s a somber reminder that even those who’ve seen the highest echelons of power aren’t exempt from life’s brutal realities.
Of course, this isn’t Biden’s first rodeo with cancer — we all remember the basal cell carcinoma removal in 2023 and the heartbreak of losing his son Beau to brain cancer back in 2015. So this news hits with a familiar, yet heavy weight. And sure, people have been scrutinizing his health and mental clarity for a while now, especially after his retreat from re-election and some eyebrow-raising recent interviews. But let’s step back and appreciate the human being beneath the headlines.
Stick around as this story unfolds — there’s more to come, and we’ll be watching the stars and the news together.
LEARN MOREReading Time: 3 minutes
Former president Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
News of the diagnosis was shared by Biden’s office on Sunday afternoon.
The press release describes Biden’s cancer as being particularly “aggressive.”
“Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone,” the statement read, according to ABC News.
“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management.
“The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”
Biden’s office announced on Tuesday that a small nodule had been found on Biden’s prostate after “a routine physical exam.”
At the time, a spokesperson stated that the nodule “necessitated further evaluation,” but there was no immediate cause for concern.
Now, worst fears have been confirmed, as it seems that the 82-year-old former president, vice president, and US senator will be forced to undergo aggressive treatment to arrest the cancer’s rapid advancement.
In 2023, while he was still in the White House, Biden had a cancerous lesion removed from his chest.
“As expected, the biopsy confirmed that the small lesion was basal cell carcinoma,” White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor said at the time.
“All cancerous tissue was successfully removed. … No further treatment is required.”
The former president lost his son, Beau Biden, to brain cancer in 2015.
In July of last year, Biden announced that he would not run for re-election amid concerns about his mental acuity and physical well-being.
After Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris in the 2024 general election, many Democrats criticized Biden for his refusal to step down earlier.
Earlier this month, Biden appeared on The View, where he argued that he would’ve defeated Trump had he decided to seek a second term in office.
Asked if he takes responsibility for Trump’s election, Biden replied, “I do, because, look, I was in charge and he won. So, you know, I take responsibility.”
Many viewers commented that Biden’s speech and mannerisms during the interview seemed to offer further evidence of his cognitive decline.
We will have further updates on this developing story as new information becomes available.