Joe Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer—Nation Rallies with Bipartisan Support
Wilmington, DE — In a somber announcement that has drawn an outpouring of bipartisan support, former President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. The news, confirmed by Biden’s office on Sunday, comes just days after medical evaluations detected a concerning prostate nodule following urinary symptoms. The diagnosis, with a Gleason score of 9—the most severe rating for prostate cancer—marks a deeply personal battle for Biden, whose life has been shaped by both political resilience and profound personal loss.
A Unifying Moment in Politics: Trump, Harris Extend Support
In a rare moment of unity, current President Donald Trump and former Vice President Kamala Harris publicly shared heartfelt messages for joe biden, setting aside political rivalries to acknowledge the gravity of his diagnosis.
President Trump, who frequently criticized Joe Biden’s age and cognitive health during the 2024 election, struck a conciliatory tone on Truth Social: “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.” The gesture, while unexpected, reflects the weight of the moment for a nation accustomed to divisive rhetoric.
Kamala Harris, who assumed leadership of the Democratic ticket after Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race, echoed similar sentiments. Sharing a photo of herself with Biden on X (formerly Twitter), she wrote: “Doug and I are keeping him, Dr. Joe Biden, and their entire family in our hearts. Joe is a fighter—and I know he’ll face this challenge with the same strength that has always defined him.”
Understanding the Diagnosis: What Does a Gleason Score of 9 Mean?
Prostate cancer, the second-most common cancer among American men, is graded using the Gleason system, which evaluates how abnormal cancer cells appear under a microscope. A score of 6 is considered low-risk, while 9—Biden’s diagnosis—signals a highly aggressive, fast-spreading disease.
Dr. Benjamin Davies, a urologic oncology expert at the University of Pittsburgh, explained: “A Gleason 9 prostate cancer is serious, especially with metastasis to the bone. But newer hormone therapies and chemotherapy options have dramatically improved survival rates in recent years.” Biden’s medical team emphasized that his cancer appears “hormone-sensitive,” which could make treatments like androgen deprivation therapy effective in slowing progression.
However, the road ahead remains daunting. Bone metastases often cause pain, fatigue, and fractures, requiring a multidisciplinary approach to care. Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urologist unaffiliated with Biden’s treatment, noted: *“Quality of life becomes a critical factor. Treatments can impact memory, mood, and energy levels—challenges for anyone, let alone an 82-year-old.”*
A Fighter’s History: Biden’s Health Journey
This isn’t Biden’s first encounter with cancer. In February 2023, he underwent surgery to remove basal cell carcinoma, a common skin cancer, from his chest. Two years earlier, a precancerous colon polyp was removed during a routine screening. While neither prior condition was life-threatening, they underscored Biden’s proactive approach to health—a trait now tested by his latest diagnosis.
The news arrives amid lingering questions about Biden’s physical and cognitive stamina during his presidency. A forthcoming book by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’ Alex Thompson reveals aides privately debated whether Biden might need a wheelchair in a second term, while a June 2024 fundraiser incident—where Biden reportedly failed to recognize actor George Clooney—fueled public speculation.
Yet Biden has consistently defied narratives of decline. During a May 2025 appearance on The View alongside Jill Biden, he pushed back firmly: “They are wrong. There’s nothing to sustain [claims of cognitive decline].” Jill added: “He worked tirelessly, reading briefings late into the night. The critics weren’t there.”
The Personal Battle: Cancer’s Shadow Over the Biden Family
For Biden, cancer is more than a medical term—it’s a visceral reminder of loss. His eldest son, Beau, a former Delaware attorney general and Iraq War veteran, died of glioblastoma (an aggressive brain cancer) in 2015 at age 46. Beau’s death reshaped Biden’s career, inspiring the “Cancer Moonshot” initiative launched during his vice presidency and revived in 2022. The program aims to slash cancer death rates by 50% within 25 years through research funding and early detection.
“We can end cancer as we know it,” Biden declared in 2022, channeling grief into purpose. “This is about what’s possible when we unite as a nation.”
Now, Biden’s personal struggle casts a poignant light on his life’s mission. Advocates hope his diagnosis will galvanize support for the Moonshot, particularly for prostate cancer, which disproportionately affects Black men and those over 65.
Hope on the Horizon: Treatment and Prognosis
While metastatic prostate cancer is incurable, medical advances have transformed it into a manageable condition for many. Hormone therapy, which starves cancer cells of testosterone, is often the first line of defense. Chemotherapy drugs like docetaxel and newer immunotherapies may follow, alongside radiation to target bone lesions.
Dr. Davies stressed: “Today’s treatments aren’t just about longevity—they’re about preserving dignity and function. Patients can live years with good quality of life.”
Biden’s team says he is reviewing options with his physicians, likely at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he’s received care since his presidency.
A Nation’s Response: Beyond Politics
The news has sparked an outpouring on social media, with hashtags like #BidenStrong and #PrayForJoe trending globally. Even critics have paused to acknowledge Biden’s legacy of resilience—from losing his first wife and daughter in a 1972 car accident to rebuilding a political career that culminated in the presidency.
As night fell on Wilmington Sunday, well-wishers left flowers outside Biden’s home. For a man who once vowed to “shine a light on hope,” the gesture epitomizes a nation’s collective embrace—proving that even in darkness, unity can flicker to life.
Final Word
Joe Biden’s diagnosis is a stark reminder of cancer’s indiscriminate reach—and the power of human tenacity. As treatments begin, the man who championed a “moonshot” to cure cancer now embarks on his most personal fight yet, buoyed by a lifetime of courage and a nation willing him forward.
