Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer, his office announced over the weekend.
The cancer has spread to his bones, though it “appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,” according to the statement.
Biden addressed the diagnosis publicly on Monday: “Cancer touches us all. 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,” he posted on social media.
Biden’s cancer is characterized by a Gleason score of 9, a high-grade classification that indicates aggressive cancer. Gleason scores range from 6 to 10, with higher scores signaling cancer cells that appear more abnormal under a microscope and are more likely to spread.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men, according to the National Cancer Institute. About 13 out of 100 men will be diagnosed in their lifetime, and 2 to 3 out of 100 will die from the disease. Risk increases with age and is higher for African American men and those with a family history of the disease.
When caught early, prostate cancer has a five-year survival rate of 99%, but the prognosis is more serious once it spreads beyond the prostate. The five-year survival rate for metastatic prostate cancer is 32%, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Typical symptoms of advanced prostate cancer include pain in the hips, ribs, or spine, erectile dysfunction, weight loss, and numbness or weakness in the legs or feet. However, early stages often have no symptoms and are usually detected through screenings.
The announcement has prompted reactions from across the political spectrum. Even Biden’s fiercest critics expressed support.
“Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis,” former President Donald Trump posted. “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene also shared a message of support for Biden and his family on social media.
Biden’s team has not released further details about his treatment plan.
