Joe Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer

Joe Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer, Gleason Score of 9

Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. His medical team confirmed the diagnosis on May 16, following a routine physical. The cancer has already spread to his bones and has been classified with a Gleason score of 9, signaling an advanced stage that requires immediate attention.

Doctors discovered the issue during a checkup on May 14. A small nodule on Biden’s prostate led to further testing, which confirmed the serious diagnosis two days later.

A Pattern of Health Challenges

This isn’t Biden’s first experience with cancer. In 2023, while still in office, doctors removed a cancerous lesion from his chest. Over the years, he has also undergone procedures to remove several non-melanoma skin cancers, including Mohs surgery.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland, part of the male reproductive system. This gland produces some of the fluid that makes up semen. The disease is the most common cancer among men in the United States.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), prostate cancer accounts for over 15% of all new male cancer cases each year. In 2025 alone, experts expect more than 313,000 new cases and nearly 36,000 deaths linked to prostate cancer.

Most patients are diagnosed at around age 68, and the average age of death is 79. While more cases are being detected due to improved screening, death rates have steadily declined thanks to earlier interventions and better treatment options.

What Does a Gleason Score of 9 Mean?

Doctors use the Gleason score to grade how aggressive prostate cancer is. This score ranges from 6 to 10. A higher score means faster-growing and more dangerous cancer cells.

Biden’s Gleason score of 9 places him in Grade Group 5, which is the most serious category. It reflects the presence of two groups of highly abnormal cancer cells under a microscope. A score of 9 usually means the cancer can grow quickly and spread fast without intensive treatment.

This score doesn’t guarantee a poor outcome, but it does mean the disease requires urgent and targeted care.

Biden’s Likely Treatment Path

Although Biden’s treatment plan has not been made public, doctors typically begin cases like his with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), commonly known as hormone therapy.

This therapy reduces the level of male hormones that fuel prostate cancer growth. Even when the disease has spread to other areas, like bones, hormone therapy can help manage symptoms and slow progression.

Because the cancer has metastasized, surgery may not be viable. Instead, Biden’s doctors are likely to monitor his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels closely. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate, and elevated levels can indicate active cancer or recurrence.

What Medical Experts Are Saying

The American Cancer Society (ACS) responded to the diagnosis with a renewed call for awareness.

“This news reminds us of the serious impact of prostate cancer in the U.S.,” the ACS stated. “The growing number of late-stage diagnoses is concerning. Early detection saves lives, and we must do more to ensure men get screened regularly.”

The ACS pointed out a 5% annual rise in advanced cases, urging men not to delay testing.

Prostate Cancer: A Common but Treatable Threat

About 1 in 8 men in the U.S. will face prostate cancer at some point in their lives. As of 2022, around 3.5 million American men were living with the disease. Fortunately, when detected early, prostate cancer is highly treatable. The five-year survival rate is 98% — but only if the cancer hasn’t spread.

Unfortunately, once cancer reaches the bones, treatment becomes more complex. Biden’s case highlights the importance of early screenings, especially for men over 50 or those with a family history of cancer.

Public Awareness and Resources

The American Cancer Society encourages all men to speak with their doctors about prostate cancer risks. Regular checkups and PSA screenings can catch cancer early, often before symptoms appear.

For more support or information, visit the ACS website or call their 24/7 cancer helpline at 1-800-227-2345.

Key Takeaways

• Joe Biden has been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, with a Gleason score of 9.
• The cancer has spread to his bones, making surgery unlikely.
• Doctors will likely use hormone therapy to slow the disease and manage symptoms.
• Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in U.S. men, with 313,000+ cases expected in 2025.
• Early detection significantly increases survival rates, highlighting the need for routine screenings.

As the world watches, President Biden’s cancer diagnosis has brought new attention to a disease that affects millions. His battle could inspire more men to take their health seriously, seek early screenings, and stay informed about treatment options. Prostate cancer is common, but with timely action, it doesn’t have to be deadly.