In a significant health disclosure in May 2025, the medical team of former US President Joe Biden revealed he had been diagnosed with an aggressive, metastatic form of prostate cancer. The news brought global attention to a disease that affects millions of men worldwide, highlighting the importance of awareness, early detection, and modern treatment protocols.
Understanding Biden's Diagnosis and Initial Symptoms
At 82 years old, Biden's diagnosis was particularly serious. He was found to have a Gleason score 9 tumor, classified as grade group 5, which is among the most aggressive types of prostate cancer. The disease had already spread to his bones, placing it at stage IV. Crucially, it was identified as hormone-sensitive, meaning it responds to treatments that block testosterone.
The path to diagnosis began with subtle urinary changes, a common early warning sign. For Biden, these symptoms prompted a routine check-up. Many men experience similar issues, which can include a weaker urine stream, difficulty starting urination, a stop-and-start flow, and increased frequency, especially at night (nocturia). These signs often overlap with benign prostate enlargement, a condition common in men over 50, making vigilance essential.
The Progression to Advanced Disease and Treatment Path
In Biden's case, the high-grade cancer progressed rapidly, leading to metastasis before more widespread symptoms appeared. When prostate cancer spreads to bones, it can cause deep, persistent pain in areas like the lower back, hips, or pelvis. This pain often worsens at night or with activity.
Biden's treatment began immediately with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), using pills to lower testosterone and starve the cancer cells. This approach often relieves bone pain in responsive cases. By October 2025, he completed a five-week course of precise radiation therapy at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia, a milestone he marked by ringing the ceremonial bell.
Publicly, Biden remained optimistic and active. He told CNN, "We are going to be able to beat this. It's not in any organ, it's in my bones... So I'm feeling good." His hormone-sensitive status offers a better potential for control with current therapies.
Key Takeaways and Lessons for Men's Health
Joe Biden's candidness about his health battle helps dispel the stigma often associated with prostate cancer. His case underscores several critical points for men, particularly those over 65 or with a family history:
- Do not ignore urinary changes: Symptoms like a weak stream, hesitancy, frequent urination (especially at night), or blood in urine (hematuria) warrant a doctor's visit.
- Understand risk factors: Prostate cancer risk increases with age, peaks after 65, and is more common in Black men and those with a family history of the disease.
- Modern treatment offers hope: While a Gleason 9 score indicates a higher-risk cancer, treatment has advanced significantly. The combination of ADT and radiation can match surgical outcomes, and new drugs like enzalutamide provide additional options. The five-year survival rate for metastatic cases has improved to around 36%.
- Early detection is vital: Routine screening through PSA tests and digital rectal exams can catch the disease early, often before symptoms arise. Biden's case, which was detected due to symptoms, shows that even aggressive cancers can be managed when addressed promptly.
At nearly 83, Joe Biden's fight against metastatic prostate cancer demonstrates resilience and the potential to manage advanced disease with a correct, timely treatment plan. His journey serves as a powerful reminder for men everywhere to pay attention to their bodies and prioritize regular health check-ups.
