Former U.S. President Joe Biden has finally broken his silence regarding the aggressive cancer he is battling, sharing a message filled with positivity and resilience in the face of adversity. "Cancer affects all of us. Like many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are stronger during tough times. Thank you for encouraging us with love and support," Biden shared on his official X account.
The social media post was accompanied by a family photo featuring a smiling Biden, his wife Jill with a more serious expression, and their cat "Willow." The international press has highlighted how Biden's message aligns with a life philosophy he has often reiterated: the concept that people gain strength in "broken places."
This phrase, inspired by the renowned novel A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway, has been a recurring theme during Biden's most challenging times. "The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places," Hemingway once wrote. For Biden, this is more than just a literary quote; it is a way of making sense of the pain that has marked many moments in his life. He referenced it in 2016 during his speech at the Democratic National Convention; again in 2021, commemorating the first anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic; and during the 10th-anniversary tribute to the September 11 attacks.
The Severity of Biden's Diagnosis
Recently, Biden's personal office announced that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, with a Gleason score of 9, the highest on the scale of aggressiveness, and it has already metastasized to the bone. The discovery came after a routine physical examination revealed a nodule on the prostate requiring further evaluation.
While the cancer is invasive, the official statement mentioned that "the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, allowing for effective treatment." Currently, Biden and his medical team are evaluating the available therapeutic options. At 82 years old, the prognosis presents a significant challenge, and experts agree that a cure is unlikely. According to Dr. Michael Tyler, an oncologist at Broward Health Medical Center, "the cancer has already spread beyond the prostate, placing it in a different category." Despite this, there are hormonal treatments and agents to suppress the disease's progression.
Dr. Tyler explained to Local 10, "In general, when cancer spreads beyond the prostate, we have limited solutions in terms of a cure."
Widespread Reactions to Biden's Cancer News
The announcement sparked a wave of support messages from both political and personal circles. Former President Barack Obama stated, "No one has done more to find innovative cancer treatments than Joe," expressing confidence that Biden will face this challenge with determination and grace. Former Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff shared their sadness over the diagnosis and expressed their prayers for Biden and his family.
Even political rival and current President Donald Trump joined in the well-wishes, noting on his Truth Social platform that he and his wife Melania wish Biden "a speedy and successful recovery."
Political Attacks Amid Biden's Health Crisis
However, not all reactions were supportive. Figures close to Trump used the news to cast doubt and politically attack the former president. Donald Trump Jr., son of the current president, implied that Biden might have hidden his illness during his presidency, asking, "Or are we looking at another cover-up?" He pointed a finger at Jill Biden, who holds a doctorate in Education.
Vice President JD Vance also criticized, stating that "we really need to be honest about whether the former president was capable of performing his duties," suggesting that "those around him" concealed information from the public. Ultra-right activist Laura Loomer went further, claiming without evidence that Biden suffered from cancer "throughout his presidency," fueling debunked conspiracy theories.
Joe Biden's Legacy and Health Under Scrutiny
During his presidency (2021-2025), Biden was frequently mocked and questioned about his health. In 2023, a cancerous lesion was removed from his chest, and in 2024 he was declared fit to continue in office. Nevertheless, he announced that same year that he would not seek re-election, paving the way for Kamala Harris's candidacy, who ultimately lost to Trump. Biden left the White House in January 2025 as the oldest president to have held the office.
Despite the attacks and doubts, his legacy includes the Cancer Moonshot initiative, aimed at reducing cancer deaths by 50% in 25 years, a crusade he undertook after the death of his son Beau Biden from brain cancer in 2015.
Key Questions About Joe Biden's Health and Cancer Diagnosis
What type of cancer has Joe Biden been diagnosed with?
Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9, indicating a high level of aggressiveness, and it has metastasized to the bone.
How is Biden's cancer being treated?
Biden's cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective treatment options. Currently, he and his medical team are evaluating the available therapeutic options.
What has been the public reaction to Biden's diagnosis?
The announcement of Biden's cancer diagnosis has prompted a mix of support and criticism, with many public figures expressing their well-wishes, while some political opponents have used the news to attack him.