Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, according to a statement from his office released on May 18, 2025.
The diagnosis followed the detection of a small nodule during a routine physical exam, as confirmed by a spokesperson to ABC News on May 13, 2025.
Medical details shared on May 18 reveal that Biden’s cancer has a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with bone metastasis. Despite being a highly aggressive form, the cancer is hormone-sensitive, offering more treatment options.
The 82-year-old former president and his family are evaluating treatment options with his medical team. Experts suggest hormonal therapies may be prioritized over surgery or radiation due to the cancer’s advanced stage.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men. While the overall five-year survival rate is about 97 percent, it drops significantly when the cancer spreads beyond the prostate.
The news has sparked bipartisan support from political figures.
Former President Barack Obama wrote on the social media platform X on May 18, “Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family. Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe.”
President Donald Trump conveyed his sympathies on Truth Social on May 18, noting that he and First Lady Melania Trump were saddened by Biden’s diagnosis and wished Jill Biden and the family a swift recovery.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris expressed her support on X, stating that Biden is a fighter who would face this challenge with strength, resilience, and optimism. Her husband, former Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, also posted his support separately.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed her thoughts for the Biden family and acknowledged their efforts in cancer research and advocacy.
Former President Bill Clinton described Biden as a fighter and stated that he and Hillary Clinton were supporting him and keeping the Biden family in their thoughts.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio communicated that he and his wife Jeanette were united in prayer for the Biden family during this challenging time.
California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his support for Biden and his family on May 18, describing the former president as a man of dignity, strength, and compassion.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker highlighted Biden’s resilience, noting that when Biden gets knocked down, he gets back up and fights, and they stand with him in this battle.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul acknowledged Biden’s service to the nation on May 18, indicating that she and her husband Bill were praying for his health and recovery.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed hope that all Americans would join him in sending prayers to Biden and his family as they navigate treatment options with his medical team.
New York Attorney General Letitia James described the news as heartbreaking, stating that she was praying for Biden and his entire family, hoping for a full recovery.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs expressed her concern, stating that her thoughts were with the former president and his family.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin emphasized Biden’s faith, suggesting that it helps people endure hardship and persevere.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore recalled Biden’s support during challenging times in Maryland, indicating that they now stand with him and pray for a swift recovery.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who was the Democratic vice presidential candidate in the 2024 elections, described Biden as a truly decent man and friend, sharing that he and his wife, Gwen, were praying for him.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy stated that he and his wife, Tammy, were keeping Biden in their prayers and wishing strength for Jill Biden and the entire family.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed hope that the Bidens would find strength in one another and be uplifted by the thoughts and prayers of Americans nationwide.
Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg described Biden as a man of deep faith and resilience, indicating that he and his husband, Chasten, were keeping Biden and his family in their prayers.
Members of Congress from both parties also offered their support, including Democratic Senators Peter Welch of Vermont, Ruben Gallego of New Mexico, Tim Kaine of Virginia, and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, as well as Republican Senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Susan Collins of Maine, and Roger Marshall of Kansas.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated on May 18 that the Biden family has faced significant challenges with grace and perseverance over the years.
Biden has been a long-time advocate for cancer research, having led the Cancer Moonshot initiative as vice president after his son Beau’s death from brain cancer in 2015. He continued this work during his presidency, relaunching the initiative in 2022 to significantly reduce cancer death rates.
