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 dated May 18, 2025.
The diagnosis follows the discovery of a small nodule during a routine physical examination, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the former president to ABC News on May 13, 2025.
Details shared on May 18 reveal that Biden’s prostate cancer has a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) and has metastasized to his bones. Despite the severity, his office noted that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, allowing for more effective management options.
The 82-year-old former president and his family are exploring treatment options with his physicians. Experts indicate that treatment will likely focus on hormonal therapies rather than surgery or radiation due to the advanced stage of the cancer.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men. The overall five-year survival rate for prostate cancer is around 97 percent, but this rate drops significantly when the cancer has spread beyond the prostate.
The announcement has elicited supportive responses from political leaders across party lines.
Former President Barack Obama commented on social media platform X on May 18, stating, “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 expressed condolences on Truth Social on May 18, noting that he and First Lady Melania Trump were saddened by Biden’s diagnosis and extended their best wishes to Jill Biden and the family, hoping for a swift recovery.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris conveyed her support on X that same day, emphasizing Biden’s strength and resilience, attributes that have always characterized his leadership. Her husband, former Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, also expressed his regards separately.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton mentioned she was thinking of the Biden family as they face cancer, acknowledging their extensive efforts to help other families avoid the disease.
Former President Bill Clinton described Biden as a fighter, stating that he and Hillary Clinton were supporting him and keeping the Biden family in their thoughts.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that he and his wife Jeanette were united in prayer for the Biden family during this challenging time.
California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his heartfelt support for Biden and his family on May 18, describing the former president as a man of dignity, strength, and compassion who deserves a long and fulfilling life.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker emphasized Biden’s reputation for resilience, noting that when Biden is knocked down, he gets back up and continues to fight, adding that they stand with him in this battle.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul acknowledged Biden’s distinguished service to the nation on May 18, indicating that she and her husband Bill were praying for his health and a quick 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 consider 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 complete recovery.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs characterized the news as terrible, sharing that her thoughts were with the former president and his entire family.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin highlighted Biden’s faith, suggesting that faith helps carry people through hardship and empowers them to persevere.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore reminded the public of Biden’s support during difficult times in Maryland, indicating that they now stand with him and pray for his strength and speedy recovery.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who was also 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 across the country.
Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg characterized Biden as a man of deep faith and extraordinary resilience, noting 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 issued a statement on May 18, noting that the Biden family has faced unimaginable adversity with grace and steadfast perseverance over the years.
Biden has long been involved in cancer research advocacy, having led the Cancer Moonshot initiative as vice president following the death of his son Beau Biden from brain cancer in 2015. He continued this work during his presidency, relaunching the initiative in 2022 with the aim of significantly reducing cancer death rates.
