On Sunday, 18 May 2025, Joe Biden’s team confirmed that the former President of the United States has been diagnosed with an 'aggressive' form of prostate cancer at the age of 82. They revealed that a 'small nodule' had been discovered in his prostate. Further examinations confirmed the presence of a bone metastasis—in other words, a tumour that has spread to another part of the body.
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However, Joe Biden’s office also indicated that the cancer appears to be hormone-dependent, meaning that hormones influence the growth of cancer cells. This, they said, 'allows for effective management' of the disease. Nonetheless, the former President’s team stated that they are currently 'evaluating different treatment options' to ensure the best possible care.
Joe Biden's diagnosis
This revelation comes less than a year after President Biden withdrew from the race for a second term in July last year, amid growing concerns over his health. According to the statement released, the cancer has been graded 9 on the Gleason scale, a system used to assess the severity of prostate cancer. This latest development has further underscored for many Americans the necessity of Joe Biden’s retreat from political life.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, and it is the second-leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer makes up 15% of all male cancer cases—comparable to breast cancer among women. To clarify, the prostate is a male gland that produces a fluid component of semen. About 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime.
On X, an American doctor explained that 'prostate cancer is one of the easiest cancers to detect early'. He went on to say that 'it typically takes five to seven years without treatment before it becomes metastatic'—suggesting that Joe Biden may have been carrying a prostate cancer diagnosis throughout his presidency, unbeknownst to the public. This, some argue, could explain the many lapses and confused moments that have often been the subject of media mockery worldwide. However, there is no evidence to support this theory.
The timing of this announcement comes just before the release of a forthcoming investigative book about his health, due out Tuesday 20 May. The book, written by CNN journalist Jake Tapper and Axios journalist Alex Thompson, reportedly aims to demonstrate that Joe Biden’s inner circle deliberately concealed the true state of his health during the final months of his presidency.
This theory had already been the subject of much speculation and has now re-emerged forcefully on social media platforms in light of Sunday’s announcement.
The Trump clan reacts to the news
Reactions to the news have poured in from public figures. Donald Trump himself took to his platform, Truth Social, to express sympathy for his former rival, leaving everyone very surprised, as he has been at Joe Biden's throat for years. Melania Trump even snubbed a formal invitation from Dr. Jill Biden before her husband's inauguration. The President wrote:
Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.
It seems ill health is enough to make Donald Trump play nice, after mocking Joe Biden's state of health for the entire presidential campaign. Unlike his father, Donald Trump Jr decided to fuel speculation online. He said:
What I want to know is how Dr Jill Biden missed a stage five metastatic cancer — or is this yet another cover-up?
It is important to note that the most common symptoms of prostate cancer are urinary issues, that can be difficult to talk about with your family members. If you notice a change or if you are at a high risk of developing the disease, please visit a medical professional. It might be uncomfortable, but it could save your life.
Meanwhile, Barack Obama also extended his well-wishes to his former Vice-President, saying on X that he was 'confident Joe Biden will face this challenge with the same determination and grace that have always defined him'.
In a similar message, Kamala Harris—herself formerly Biden’s Vice-President—expressed that he would 'face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership', describing him as 'a fighter'.
This article has been translated and updated from Oh!MyMag FR.
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Sources used:
Daily Beast: Here’s What Trump Has to Say About Biden’s Cancer Diagnosis
CNN: Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive form’ of prostate cancer
American Cancer Society: Cancer Facts for Men
