Former President Joe Biden diagnosed with aggressive form of prostate cancer
The cancer has metastasized to the bone, according to the former president's personal office.
www.nbcnews.com
Former President Joe Biden thanked well-wishers Monday for their support after his personal office announced he has cancer.
"Cancer touches us all," Biden said in a post to X. "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."
The former president's personal office shared Sunday that Biden had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, prompting an outpouring of support from politicians and allies.
“Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms,” his personal office said in a statement. “On Friday he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.”
Metastasis means the cancer has spread from its primary site (in Biden’s cancer, the prostate) to other tissue in the body.
“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,” the statement continued. “The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”
A spokesperson for Biden’s office did not have any additional comment.
Biden and his family are meeting with doctors and considering "multiple treatment options," including hormone treatment, according to a source familiar with Biden's and his family's thinking.
Biden is at his home in Wilmington, Delaware, the source said, but it is unclear where he will receive treatment.
Biden’s Gleason score of 9 (Group grade 5) means the cancer is likelier than others to grow and spread.