Washington, D.C. – May 18, 2025 — Former U.S. President Joe Biden has announced he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, prompting an outpouring of support from global leaders and the public.
In a social media post on Monday, Biden, 82, expressed gratitude for the well-wishes he has received, including a private letter from Britain’s King Charles.
“Cancer touches us all,” Biden wrote. “Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”
Cancer Diagnosis Details
Biden’s office confirmed on Sunday that the former president was diagnosed on Friday with a high-grade form of prostate cancer, marked by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5). The disease, which has spread to his bones, is considered aggressive but hormone-sensitive — a classification that opens up a range of treatment options.
“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,” Biden’s medical team stated.
A Gleason score of 9 indicates that the cancer is likely to spread quickly, according to Cancer Research UK. The diagnosis was prompted by Biden reporting urinary symptoms, which led doctors to discover a small nodule on his prostate.
Reactions from Leaders and Public Figures
Messages of support have come from political figures across the spectrum. President Donald Trump, former President Barack Obama, and Vice President Kamala Harris have all extended their well-wishes.
King Charles III, who is also undergoing treatment for an unspecified cancer diagnosed in 2024, sent a private message to Biden expressing support. The two leaders have met several times during their respective terms and have maintained a cordial relationship.
Political Ramifications and Controversy
The news has reignited concerns and debate about Biden’s health during his time in office and whether his condition may have been hidden from the public.
Vice President JD Vance acknowledged the seriousness of the diagnosis but also questioned the transparency of Biden’s health history.
“We really do need to be honest about whether the former president was capable of doing the job,” Vance said. “This is not child’s play… if you’re not in good enough health to do the job, you shouldn’t be doing the job.”
Vance also directed criticism at those who surrounded Biden during his presidency, suggesting they may have contributed to shielding health concerns from the public eye.
Adding to the scrutiny is an upcoming book, Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again. The book alleges that Biden’s health and cognitive state were deteriorating while he was still in office. Among the claims are incidents where the former president failed to recognize actor George Clooney at a fundraiser and required aides to discuss the possibility of using a wheelchair.
Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race nearly a year ago, citing concerns about his age and health.
What’s Next?
As Biden begins his treatment, the public conversation is shifting toward transparency in presidential health disclosures and the responsibilities of those close to national leaders.
While Biden’s supporters have rallied behind him with compassion, critics continue to question the extent to which his health challenges may have affected his ability to govern effectively in his final months in office.
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