Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive form' of prostate cancer
Source: CNN
Former President Joe Biden was diagnosed with an “aggressive form” of prostate cancer, according to a statement from his personal office Sunday, and it has spread to his bones.
“Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone,” the statement said.
It continued, “While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management.”
Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/18/politics/joe-biden-prostate-cancer
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stollen
(838 posts)I love you, Joe!
displacedvermoter
(3,801 posts)
tishaLA
(14,640 posts)of course, he's ghoulish enough to forge ahead.
displacedvermoter
(3,801 posts)They will all come out now and lambaste Joe more now and allege he knew about the cancer, and make even more of his staying in the race. And the Republicans will make a bigger clamor for investigations.
I only trust that the "fundamental decency" of the American people we keep hearing about might finally show up, but I kinda doubt it.
BigmanPigman
(53,080 posts)displacedvermoter
(3,801 posts)
milestogo
(20,711 posts)
Yorkie Mom
(16,578 posts)
niyad
(124,064 posts)
elleng
(139,646 posts)
hlthe2b
(110,001 posts)Some consolation that it is hormone-sensitive, but that it has metastasized to the bone strikes me to my core.
I realize that all those attacking him over the past 7 months or so--from our side-- thought they were on the ground of the righteous angels. And my intent is not to guilt anyone here or elsewhere now. But, maybe, just maybe we can refocus on Trump and all the horror HE is bringing us and stop with the recriminations for Joe and Jill Biden? PLEASE?
catchnrelease
(2,084 posts)The fact that it's gone to his bones is SO not good. Once it's there I'm not sure any treatment will help. But there's lots of new treatments, so I'm hoping they can at least contain it and he'll have many decent years to come.
My question is why does it have to be this good person? Why isn't it someone who brings suffering and misery to others? (There are obviously plenty of those to choose from) Those are rhetorical questions of course.
BumRushDaShow
(153,816 posts)He has been through so many health issues over the decades but he has always been a fighter!
Dem4life1970
(885 posts)...however, unlike the current occupant of the White House, Biden is a real man of faith. He will be just fine no matter what happens.
highplainsdem
(56,422 posts)He's given so much for this country, and deserves more years in good health with his family.
Prayers for them, too.
totodeinhere
(13,620 posts)
ultralite001
(1,715 posts)May their doctors be filled w/ skill, knowledge, wisdom + compassion...
May their doctors + caregivers find effective ways to manage the disease + its symptoms,
particularly the bone pain.
May his treatments prove effective + w/ few side effects..
May our former President continue to remain positive, comfortable + able to attend to his activities of daily living
as well as complete his personal matters + end of life plans.
Thank you for your service, Joe Biden. Please let us know how we, your America, may assist you in your life's transition...
Oopsie Daisy
(5,833 posts)
Elessar Zappa
(16,333 posts)Best president in my life.
greatauntoftriplets
(177,718 posts)Best of luck with your treatments, President Biden.
LiberalArkie
(18,322 posts)If he was still getting the PSA test he would have maybe known a while back and just decided not to do anything at his age. If I am told I have any cancer I won't do anything myself. But that is just my decision. Guys sometimes decide they want to just get it over with as prostate -> bone cancer can sometimes not be that bad except for the bone pain.
I think at 75 my doc said it was not recommended any more, but I still get it as I am only 77. But I did stop getting the colonoscopy as it was just too much of a hassle as I have to pay people to take me and pick me up. I think metastatic prostate cancer is around 2 year life expectancy and colon cancer is sometime way out there.
I wish him luck with whatever he decided.
Irish_Dem
(70,351 posts)Given the import of his office.
Whether he wanted the tests or not.
But yes I have some of the same questions, if he was getting the PSA every year,
why was the cancer not detected on the last PSA.
Perhaps all cancers are not picked up by PSA testing.
Or the cancer being so aggressive spread quickly in just one year.
I have no idea, just speculating.
Perhaps someone with personal experience or an oncology background can comment.
LiberalArkie
(18,322 posts)My only conspiracy theory thought is that he knew and was planing on handing over the presidency to Harris this year. But a lot of locals stepped in and raised such a stink... well you know the rest of the story.
With the yearly tests, it is known probably years in advance that a guy might develope prostate cancer.
Usually they might try a testosterone blocker if a guy is younger. But at his and my age they would just remove the testicles and usually stops it. If it is still present they may remove the prostate. The secret is always the PSA tests and if positive, MRI.
There is probably no reason for a guy to die from it quickly except not being tested. Kind of like women and their mammograms and Pap tests. A little testing goes a long way.
Irish_Dem
(70,351 posts)So he has known for some time he has prostate cancer.
But it generally doesn't kill a man.
He can die with prostate cancer but not from prostate cancer.
But the PSA cannot tell if a man has the rare aggressive form of prostate cancer?
Only 10% men has this kind of cancer.
The news report state that it was only found recently when Joe had urinary problems and a new nodule.
If this is true, he did not know about the new cancer form until a few days ago.
So he didn't know it last year.
But yes I suppose it is possible he knew last year and is only now coming out with the story.
And made some plans along the lines you suggest.
Perhaps as we get more information we can piece it together.
LiberalArkie
(18,322 posts)My PSA has always been really low like 0.05. They worry when it gets above 4 I think.. Mine ended up as a prostate infection.
Irish_Dem
(70,351 posts)For women and breast cancer, they can feel a lump if they do a self examination.
Maybe if he did feel the nodule he dismissed it as not a problem.
Women somethings do this. Many women have cystic breast, so they may dismiss
lumps as just part of that problem.
cliffside
(933 posts)LiberalArkie
(18,322 posts)the lab s look ok just does not cut it..
Joe and other guys hearing the doc say "everything is normal" may have screwed him.
A guy has to be able to see movement in the numbers. Sure in the normal, but is it slowing climbing? That is the problem.
Any lab work can look good at the moment, but is it moving a lot..That is a persons warning sign. I am slowing getting my PCP to look back a few tests and do a comparison on them. The Quest lab work makes it very easy to do it these days and having in the Apple health app makes it easier to look at it.
Women are usually more observant about their health men, that needs to change.
cliffside
(933 posts)has it been been rising or going lower in the wrong direction?
Labcorp has started to show results for some tests with a graph or table view which is helpful. It does not go back to 2002 though 
womanofthehills
(9,827 posts)Talking about pollution coming down on their windshields & that’s why he and guys he grew up with had cancer.
Maybe people assumed he was talking about skin cancer but it might have been prostate.
LetMyPeopleVote
(164,200 posts)
SpankMe
(3,483 posts)Death and illness have been visited on him too much. Enough already, universe! Joe has more than paid his dues.
JohnSJ
(98,825 posts)I am actually surprised they caught it after it progressed.
I assume it is because of the asinine recommendation not to do PSA monitoring, especially after a certain age.
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and other organizations no longer recommend routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for all men. Those involved in that committee's recommendation were not even required to be experts in Prostate Cancer or urology.
Because of that stupid recommendation more people are now being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer than previously when they recommended PSAs for men over 50, and younger if it runs in the family.
and the stupid recommendation that men over 70 should forgo PSA testing is responsible for a lot of late stage Prostate Cancer increased rate.
forthemiddle
(1,450 posts)Even if PSA is generally stopped after 70-75 years old in the normal population, I cannot believe that the POTUS doesn’t undergo every conceivable test needed.
This should have been caught years ago. It can take up to eight years to reach this stage!
pnwmom
(109,888 posts)Despite popular belief, there are some forms of aggressive prostate cancer that don't behave like the typical, slow growing kind. They can become large very quickly and even spread without symptoms.
surfered
(7,088 posts)
demmiblue
(38,382 posts)Sending ALL the positive vibes your way, Joe! 
Godot51
(485 posts)Here's hoping Joe Biden can be treated successfully and live a long, satisfactory, and fruitful post-presidency.
Last month I (only a little younger than Joe) had to be examined for blood in the urine, and, after a second, more detailed exam, was scheduled for an MRI, and a potential biopsy of possible prostate cancer.
Fortunately the MRI showed me clear so no biopsy was needed but it was a scary few days. Both doctors strongly recommend more frequent testing, at this time very six months
All cancers are scary, potentially serious, and all too often deadly. This is why we need regular check-ups for all. Living in Japan has given me access to their National Health and all of this testing cost very little. This type of health care needs to be given to all Americans.
Susan Calvin
(2,297 posts)
Beacool
(30,391 posts)I looked at my phone a few minutes ago, and was shocked to read about Biden's cancer diagnosis. I'm so sorry that it has spread. I'm sending good vibes his way.
Delphinus
(12,277 posts)f*ck ... 
DonCoquixote
(13,872 posts)to do their usual round of "nyah nyah told ya so"
electric_blue68
(21,626 posts)Thinking of you, President Biden and Jill.
LudwigPastorius
(12,591 posts)LaMouffette
(2,504 posts)of your family!
JohnSJ
(98,825 posts)by one of the leading prostate oncologists in the country:
bill
(373 posts)n/t
womanofthehills
(9,827 posts)Being diagnosed with stage 4 cancers - calling them turbo cancers.