Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an advanced and aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasised to his bones, his office confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday.

The diagnosis came on Friday after Biden sought medical attention due to urinary complications. His doctors are currently assessing treatment options, with the former president in close consultation with his medical team and family members.

“This is a more serious and fast-moving type of prostate cancer,” the statement noted, “but the fact that it is hormone-sensitive means there are effective ways to manage it.”

Public Support from Trump, Obama

Shortly after the diagnosis was made public, former President Donald Trump—Biden’s longtime political opponent—set aside rivalry to offer his sympathies. Posting on his social media platform, Trump said, “We send our best wishes to Jill and the Biden family. Hoping for Joe’s swift and full recovery.”

Barack Obama, under whom Biden served as Vice President, also posted a heartfelt message. “Michelle and I are holding the Biden family in our thoughts,” he said on X. “Joe has done more than anyone to champion cancer research. We know he’ll face this challenge with his usual strength and grace.”

Aggressive Cancer Confirmed by Gleason Score

Medical evaluations revealed that Biden’s Gleason score—a measure of how aggressive prostate cancer is—was 9 out of 10, indicating a highly advanced form of the disease.

Although prostate cancer that spreads to the bones is difficult to treat due to the challenges in targeting the cancer cells throughout the body, hormone-sensitive cancers still offer a window for effective intervention through hormone-suppressing therapies.

Biden’s Health Journey and Political Career

Concerns about Biden’s health have been long-standing, especially during his final year in office. Criticism over his cognitive sharpness intensified after a faltering performance during a presidential debate in June, which eventually led to him stepping out of the race for a second term. Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee but was ultimately defeated by Donald Trump.

Biden has previously undergone medical procedures for cancer-related issues. In February 2023, a basal cell carcinoma was removed from his chest. Earlier in 2021, doctors excised a benign but pre-cancerous polyp from his colon.

A long-time advocate for cancer research, Biden launched the “Cancer Moonshot” initiative in 2022, aiming to halve cancer-related deaths over the next quarter-century. His personal dedication to the cause was strengthened after losing his son, Beau Biden, to brain cancer in 2015.

Biden, now 82 and no longer in public office following the end of his presidency on January 20, continues to remain involved in advocacy work, especially in health and cancer research.