Joe Biden ⁣Diagnosed⁢ with Aggressive Prostate Cancer

former U.S. President Joe Biden, who left office in january, has​ been diagnosed with an ⁣aggressive form‌ of prostate cancer, ⁤according to multiple ⁢news outlets citing his office.The reports⁤ indicate the cancer​ is treatable, despite its aggressive nature.

Details of the Diagnosis

CNN,Fox News,and The New york Times are among the media organizations reporting the diagnosis. Citing Biden’s office,they ⁤state that the 82-year-old also has bone⁣ metastases. According to‌ a statement released by his spokeswoman, Kelly Scully, the cancer is hormone-sensitive,‌ which‌ improves treatment options.

Last week, Biden underwent examinations at a Philadelphia hospital where doctors discovered a “small‍ knot”⁤ on​ his prostate, prompting further investigation. His office had previously announced ‌that the ⁢former president was experiencing urinary tract issues.

cancer Aggressiveness​ and Treatment

Scully’s statement noted that the cancer has a Gleason score of 9,indicating a highly aggressive form that is highly likely to grow and spread rapidly. Bone metastasis is common in advanced prostate cancer patients, ⁢affecting⁣ approximately 60% of cases, according to Zero Prostate Cancer.

“Even though it is indeed a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows‍ for effective treatment,” Scully stated. She added that Biden and ⁣his⁣ family are consulting with ​his medical team to determine the ‌best‌ course of action.

Political Context and Reactions

Biden’s diagnosis comes after he declined to run in the 2024⁣ presidential election. concerns about his physical and mental fitness had ⁢been raised, leading to his withdrawal from the race in July.

Former President Donald Trump addressed⁣ Biden’s diagnosis on his truth Social‌ platform, stating, “Melania and I are ‌saddened to hear ⁢about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend ⁣our warmest wishes ⁢to Jill and the entire family,and we ‍hope for Joe’s quick and triumphant recovery.”

Vice President Kamala Harris posted​ a photo with Biden, ‍saying, “Doug and I are⁢ saddened by President Biden’s​ prostate cancer diagnosis. We ‍are thinking of him, Dr.Biden, ⁢and their family during this time. Joe is a fighter, and I know he will face this challenge with the ‌same strength, resilience, and optimism that have ⁤always defined his life‌ and leadership.”

Biden’s Health History and Cancer Initiatives

Biden has previously ‍addressed​ reports of cognitive decline, dismissing them as baseless. He acknowledged his performance in a debate against Trump ​was not convincing but maintained his decision to withdraw from the presidential race was to prevent⁤ division within the Democratic party, not due to‍ health concerns.

Cancer⁣ control has been a priority for Biden. In 2022, he set a goal to halve the cancer death rate over the next 25 years, building on his work as Vice President to combat the disease. His son, Beau, died of brain cancer in 2015.

In February 2023, Biden had a‍ skin lesion removed from his chest, which⁢ was identified⁢ as basal cell carcinoma,⁤ a common form of skin cancer. A benign ⁣polyp was also removed from his colon in November 2021.