Joe Biden, 82, diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer; receiving support from family and political figures as he considers treatment options.

Former United States President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, his office announced on Sunday.

“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management,” the statement read.

Prostate cancers are ranked in terms of their severity on a scale of one to ten, known as the Gleason score.

Biden’s prostate cancer has been given a Gleason score of nine, indicating that it has metastasized to the bone, the statement said.

At 82, Biden is currently reviewing treatment options with his family, the statement added.

The Biden family has previously been impacted by cancer. His son, Beau Biden, died of brain cancer in 2015.

Biden began his political career in 1972 when he was elected senator for the northeastern state of Delaware, a role in which he served six terms.

He went on to serve as the 47th Vice President of the United States during Barack Obama’s two terms in office from 2009 to 2017. Biden later defeated incumbent Donald Trump to become president, serving from 2021 to 2025.

In July 2024, he abruptly withdrew his bid for reelection amid growing concerns among Democrats and heightened media scrutiny over his age, physical health, and mental acuity. These concerns peaked after a shaky televised debate against Trump.

Biden’s former vice president, Kamala Harris, took over as the Democratic Party’s nominee, but she was soundly defeated by Trump.

Biden was the oldest president in American history when he won the 2020 election — a record that Trump, at 78, broke four years later.

Trump, Biden’s successor, expressed sadness over the news in a post on his Truth Social platform.

“Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery,” Trump said.

Kamala Harris also shared her support, saying she was keeping the former president in her family’s “hearts and prayers during this time.”

“Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership,” Harris said.

Former President Barack Obama, under whom Biden served as vice president, also expressed his well wishes.

“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery,” Obama said.