Joe Biden, 82, Undergoing Radiation Therapy and Hormone Treatment Amid ‘Aggressive’ Cancer Battle
Joe Biden’s Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
In May 2025, President Joe Biden, aged 82, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The diagnosis came after he experienced increasing urinary symptoms, which led to further medical evaluation. His personal office released a statement confirming the discovery of a prostate nodule, which was later identified as cancerous with a Gleason score of 9, placing it in Grade Group 5. This high score indicates a particularly aggressive cancer. Moreover, the cancer had metastasized to his bones, signaling that the disease had spread beyond the prostate.
Despite the severity of the diagnosis, Biden’s cancer is hormone-sensitive. This characteristic is crucial because it allows for more effective management through hormone therapy, which can slow or stop the growth of cancer cells by reducing hormone levels in the body. As part of his treatment, Biden has been prescribed hormone medication in pill form, which he has been taking since his diagnosis.
Currently, Biden is undergoing a five-week course of radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is a common treatment for prostate cancer that uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. This marks a new phase in his care, complementing the hormone treatment and aiming to control the spread of the disease.
Health Status and Public Response
Biden’s medical team has reported that he is “doing well” amid his treatment regimen. His spokesperson confirmed that he recently underwent surgery to remove cancerous cells from his skin, indicating that his healthcare providers are actively managing multiple health concerns.
The president addressed his diagnosis publicly via Instagram, sharing a heartfelt message: “Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.” This statement reflects both his resilience and the support he receives from family and the public.
Biden’s fight against cancer also resonates on a personal level, as his late son, Beau Biden, passed away from brain cancer in 2015. This history adds a layer of emotional significance to the president’s current health battle.
Understanding Prostate Cancer and Its Treatments
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, particularly those over 65. The prostate gland, located below the bladder, plays a role in male reproductive health. When cancer develops in this gland, it can vary widely in aggressiveness.
The Gleason score is a grading system used to evaluate the aggressiveness of prostate cancer based on how cancer cells look under a microscope. Scores range from 6 to 10, with higher numbers indicating more aggressive cancer. A score of 9, as in Biden’s case, suggests a high-grade tumor that requires prompt and comprehensive treatment.
Hormone therapy, also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), reduces levels of male hormones that can fuel prostate cancer growth. This treatment can be administered through pills, injections, or surgery. Radiation therapy, meanwhile, targets cancer cells directly and is often used in combination with hormone therapy for aggressive cases.
Biden’s treatment plan reflects current best practices for managing advanced prostate cancer, aiming to control symptoms, slow disease progression, and maintain quality of life.
Conclusion
President Joe Biden’s ongoing battle with aggressive prostate cancer highlights the importance of early detection, comprehensive treatment, and resilience. At 82, his commitment to undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment demonstrates a proactive approach to managing his health. His openness about the diagnosis helps raise awareness about prostate cancer and the advances in treatment options available today.
If you or a loved one are facing a prostate cancer diagnosis, consult with healthcare professionals to explore treatment plans tailored to your specific condition. Staying informed and proactive is key to managing cancer effectively.
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