Biden Diagnosed With Aggressive Prostate Cancer, Gleason Score 9

Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bone. The diagnosis, made on Friday, reveals that Biden's cancer is characterized by a Gleason score of 9, indicating a highly aggressive form of the disease. This score, which ranges from 1 to 10, measures how the cancerous cells compare to normal cells, with a higher score suggesting a more aggressive cancer.

The cancer's spread to the bone complicates treatment, as metastasized cancer is more challenging to manage than localized cancer. However, Biden's cancer is hormone-sensitive, which means it can be effectively managed through treatments that deprive the tumors of hormones. This characteristic makes the cancer more susceptible to certain therapies, offering a more hopeful prognosis.

Biden's office stated that the and his family are currently reviewing treatment options with his physicians. The health of the 82-year-old Biden has been a significant concern among voters, particularly during his time as president. Despite these concerns, Biden has consistently rejected worries about his age and health, even after a poor debate performance in June led to his withdrawal from the reelection bid. Then-Vice President Kamala Harris became the nominee and subsequently lost to Republican Donald Trump.

In recent years, Biden has faced several health issues. In February 2023, he had a skin lesion removed from his chest, which was diagnosed as a basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer. Additionally, in November 2021, a polyp was removed from his colon, which was identified as a benign but potentially pre-cancerous lesion. These health incidents have underscored the importance of regular medical check-ups and early detection in managing health issues.

Biden's diagnosis comes at a time when he has made cancer research and treatment a priority. In 2022, his administration launched a "cancer moonshot" initiative aimed at halving the cancer death rate over the next 25 years. This initiative is a continuation of his work as vice president, where he focused on addressing cancer, a disease that tragically took the life of his older son, Beau. The "cancer moonshot" reflects Biden's personal commitment to advancing cancer research and improving treatment options for patients worldwide.