Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with a relatively aggressive form of prostate cancer, his office said in a statement.
“Last week, President Joe Biden underwent medical evaluation due to increasing urinary symptoms, which revealed a prostate nodule,” said a statement from Biden’s office.
“On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.”
“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.”
President Biden, 82, is currently the oldest president in U.S. history.
The announcement was received with expressions of concern and support across the political spectrum.
“Melania and I are saddened to hear about President Biden’s recent medical diagnosis,” President Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. “We extend our warmest wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and complete recovery,” he added.
“Praying for President Biden and his family as he faces this health challenge,” Democratic lawmaker Ro Khanna wrote on X. “He and Jill have always shown strength, and I am confident they will meet this with courage and grace.”
The Sunday announcement comes amidst ongoing discussions about President Biden’s health during his time in office.
President Biden lost his son Beau Biden to cancer in 2015, and he has since championed a major initiative aimed at accelerating cancer research and treatment, known as the cancer moonshot, both as vice-president under President Barack Obama and throughout his presidency.-IANS
