Joe Biden was diagnosed with an advanced form of prostate cancer after experiencing urinary symptoms. Here’s a breakdown of the disease, its risks, and the treatment options available.

Joe Biden Diagnosed with Advanced Prostate Cancer

Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive and advanced form of prostate cancer that has metastasized, spreading to his bones. The diagnosis came after he sought medical advice last week due to urinary symptoms — one of the more common signs of prostate issues.

According to a statement from his office, Biden received confirmation of the diagnosis on Friday. His family is now exploring possible treatment plans.

Understanding Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland — a small part of the male reproductive system located between the bladder and the penis. It plays a key role in producing semen.

In many cases, prostate cancer grows slowly and may not cause symptoms for years. However, Biden’s case is different: the cancer is aggressive and has already spread beyond the prostate, which significantly complicates treatment.

Urinary symptoms such as increased frequency, weak stream, or difficulty starting urination are often early indicators, as an enlarged or cancerous prostate can press against the urethra.

Why Biden’s Diagnosis Is Serious

While prostate cancer is common among older men — one in eight men in the U.S. will be diagnosed during their lifetime — Biden’s cancer is more advanced than is typical at the time of diagnosis, according to Dr. Ryan Cleary, a urologist at MedStar Health.

The American Cancer Society estimates over 300,000 new prostate cancer cases will be diagnosed this year. It remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death among American men, following lung cancer.

What Is the Gleason Score?

Biden’s cancer has been given a Gleason score of 9, indicating a highly aggressive form of the disease.

The Gleason score is used to assess how abnormal cancer cells appear under a microscope and predict how likely they are to spread. Scores range from 6 (least aggressive) to 10 (most aggressive). A score of 9 means the cancer is high-grade, likely to grow and spread quickly.

Treatment Options for Advanced Prostate Cancer

Because Biden’s cancer has spread to his bones and is described as aggressive, treatment options are limited and focused on management rather than cure.

Dr. Jamin Vinod Brahmbhatt, a urologist at Orlando Health Medical Group, explained that while treatments like chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and steroids can help control the disease, they are not curative at this stage.

However, Biden's cancer is reported to be hormone-sensitive, meaning it responds to treatments that block or lower hormone levels — potentially improving outcomes and expanding treatment possibilities.

Clinical trials may also be an option if he meets eligibility criteria.

Prognosis and What Lies Ahead

Though detailed specifics of Biden’s medical case have not been released, experts say that about one-third of patients with metastatic prostate cancer survive beyond five years after diagnosis.

Quality of life becomes a central consideration. Dr. Jeffrey Kuhlman, former White House physician, emphasized the importance of balancing treatment effectiveness with Biden’s overall well-being.

“There are ways to manage this disease effectively,” said Dr. Brahmbhatt. “But the key message is this: get checked, even if you don’t have symptoms.”

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