On May 16, 2025, former US President Joe Biden’s personal office announced that he had been diagnosed with an advanced form of prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. The news came after he experienced urinary symptoms and discovered an abnormal nodule in his prostate during a routine checkup.

According to the official statement, Mr. Biden’s illness was assessed as “Gleason 9 (Grade 5) prostate cancer with bone metastasis.” The Gleason score is a measure of how aggressive the cancer cells are, with a high score indicating rapid progression and aggressiveness. However, doctors said his cancer responded to hormone therapy, opening up the possibility of effective control of the disease.

Mr. Biden, 82, withdrew from the race for re-election in July 2024 after concerns about his health and debate performance. Since leaving office in January 2025, he has maintained a private life. His family is currently discussing with his medical team to determine the appropriate treatment plan, which includes hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Information about Mr. Biden’s illness has received attention and support from many politicians and the public. Former President Donald Trump sent his best wishes and expressed his sympathy to Mr. Biden’s family. Vice President Kamala Harris called him “a fighter” and believed he would overcome this challenge with strength and optimism.

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The diagnosis also raises concerns about prostate cancer, one of the most common cancers in men. Medical experts emphasize the importance of regular health check-ups for early detection and timely treatment.

Mr. Biden has previously suffered from serious health problems, including brain surgery in 1988 and the removal of a cancerous skin lesion in 2023. His resilience in the face of illness has been an inspiration to many.

Currently, the international community and the American people are closely monitoring Mr. Biden’s health, wishing him a speedy recovery and continued contributions to society.