Topline
Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an “aggressive form” of prostate cancer, multiple outlets reported Sunday, days after reports circulated that he had a “small nodule” in his prostate.
President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the assassination attempt on Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump at the White House on July 14, 2024 in Washington, DC.
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Key facts
Biden has “a more aggressive form” of prostate cancer, but it appears to be “hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,” a spokesperson said in a statement Sunday.
Biden, 82, received his diagnosis—which was “characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone”—on Friday and his family is reviewing treatment options, the statement said.
Last week, a spokesperson for Biden said he had been diagnosed with a “small nodule” in his prostate, which can be caused by inflammation and pose no serious risk, or can be cancerous, The New York Times reported.
This story is developing and will be updated.
What does a Gleason score of 9 mean?
Biden’s diagnosis being characterized by a Gleason score of 9 in Grade Group 5 means the cancer cells look “very abnormal” and the cancer is “most likely to grow and spread quickly,” according to the American Cancer Society.
Is prostate cancer curable?
Prostate cancer is usually found early and grows slowly, according to the Mayo Clinic, and most people found with it are cured. However, the Mayo Clinic says prostate cancer that spreads is often more difficult to cure, and the American Cancer Society reports that about one in 44 men will die of prostate cancer.
How rare is prostate cancer?
The American Cancer Society reports that one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and it’s more common in older men. The average age of diagnosis for men is 67, and the risk of getting prostate cancer is higher among African American men and Caribbean men of African ancestry.
Key background
Biden was elected to the presidency in 2020 and sought reelection in 2024 against President Donald Trump, but he left the race amid concerns about his ability to serve another term given his age and worries about his mental faculties. He was replaced by his vice president, Kamala Harris, in July. Prior to his time as president, Biden served as vice president under former President Barack Obama from 2008 to 2016, and represented Delaware in the Senate for more than 30 years. Biden said he decided to run for president in 2020 because he “believed that the soul of America was at stake,” and his presidency focused on rebuilding the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic and improving American infrastructure. When he left office, Biden had an approval rating of 36% among U.S. adults, according to CNN—which was the lowest of his term. Biden was the oldest sitting president in history at the time he left office.
This article was originally published on forbes.com and all figures are in USD.
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