By Jones Gadama
Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. The diagnosis was made on Friday after Biden sought medical attention for urinary symptoms.
According to his office, the cancer has a Gleason score of 9 out of 10, indicating a high-grade cancer that could spread quickly.
Despite the aggressive nature of the cancer, Biden’s office stated that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, meaning it can likely be managed with treatment.
Biden and his family are currently reviewing treatment options with his physicians.
The news of Biden’s diagnosis has sparked support from both sides of the aisle.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have extended their well-wishes to Biden and his family, wishing him a fast and successful recovery.
Democratic House Representative Ro Khanna has also expressed his support, saying that Biden and his wife Jill are fighters who will meet this challenge with grit and grace.
This health update comes nearly a year after Biden dropped out of the 2024 US presidential election due to concerns about his health and age. As the oldest person to hold the office in US history, Biden’s health has been a topic of concern for many.
In June, Biden faced criticism for his performance in a televised debate against Trump, which ultimately led to him abandoning his re-election bid.
Prostate cancer is a significant health issue affecting men, particularly those aged 65 and above.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 13 out of every 100 men will develop prostate cancer at some point in their lives.
The CDC also notes that age is the most common risk factor for prostate cancer.
Biden’s experience with cancer is personal, having lost his son Beau to brain cancer in 2015. During his presidency, Biden made a “cancer moonshot” one of his administration’s priorities, aiming to halve the cancer death rate over the next 25 years.
As Biden navigates this new challenge, he will undoubtedly draw on the support of his family, friends, and well-wishers from across the political spectrum.