Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, according to a statement released by his office on Sunday (local time).
The diagnosis followed the discovery of a prostate nodule after Biden reported worsening urinary symptoms. Medical tests confirmed a high-grade cancer with a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating metastasis to the bone.
“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, characterised by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone,” the statement read.
Despite the severity of the illness, the cancer is reportedly hormone-sensitive, which may improve treatment outcomes.
“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management,” the statement further read.
The 82-year-old Biden and his family are now in consultation with his doctors to determine the best course of treatment moving forward.
“The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians,” it added.
Meanwhile, a new book titled “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again” by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’ Alex Thompson, set to release on May 20, sheds light on internal concerns over Biden’s physical health during the latter stages of his presidency.
Based on over 200 interviews, largely with Democratic insiders after the 2024 election, the book claims that Biden’s aides had discussed the potential need for a wheelchair in a second term but avoided acknowledging it during his reelection campaign due to political optics, CNN reported.
According to the book, Biden’s physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor warned that a fall could result in a difficult recovery, possibly necessitating wheelchair use. To minimize risks, his staff discreetly adapted his environment — shortening walking routes, installing handrails, and using smaller staircases for Air Force One.
These adjustments reportedly escalated as Biden’s physical decline became more evident, culminating in his widely criticized performance during the June 2024 debate against President Donald Trump, which led to Biden withdrawing from the presidential race weeks later.