Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an advanced form of prostate cancer that has reportedly spread to his bones, according to a statement released by his office on Sunday. The statement revealed that last week, Biden underwent a medical examination due to worsening urinary symptoms, which led to the discovery of a prostate nodule. On Friday, doctors confirmed a prostate cancer diagnosis, marked by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with bone metastasis.
The diagnosis was made by a physician who examined the 82-year-old former president on Friday after he reported these symptoms. Biden and his family are currently considering treatment options, as mentioned in the statement. The cancer is noted to be hormone-sensitive, suggesting that it might be managed with appropriate treatment.
As the oldest person to hold the U.S. presidency, Biden has previously dealt with age-related health issues, including obstructive sleep apnea, which requires him to use a CPAP machine. He also suffers from peripheral neuropathy and moderate to severe spondylosis, conditions that contribute to pain and limited mobility.
In July, Biden announced his decision to step back from the U.S. presidential race amid concerns about his mental acuity and physical health, as well as pressure from his political party. This decision followed a challenging debate performance against Donald Trump in June. Vice President Kamala Harris, who became the Democratic presidential candidate, was ultimately unsuccessful in preventing Trump's return to the White House.
On May 8, Biden made a public appearance after a period of silence, attributing part of Harris's defeat to racism and sexism. During an interview on ABC's The View, he commented on the Republican rivals, stating, "They opted for the sexist route that a woman, especially a woman of mixed race, could not lead the country." He added, "I was in charge, and he won, so I take responsibility."
Questions Regarding Joe Biden's Health and Political Impact
What type of cancer has Joe Biden been diagnosed with?
Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones.
Why did Biden decide to withdraw from the presidential race?
Biden chose to withdraw from the presidential race due to concerns about his mental and physical health, along with pressures from his political party following a challenging debate with Donald Trump.
What health conditions has Biden faced besides cancer?
In addition to cancer, Biden has dealt with obstructive sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy, and moderate to severe spondylosis.