When Joe Biden spoke publicly about his aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis for the first time, his words were characteristically optimistic: 'We're going to be able to beat this. The prognosis is good you know, we're working on everything, it's moving along. I feel good'.
The 82-year-old former president's journey with metastatic prostate cancer offers both sobering realities and genuine reasons for hope.
Biden's diagnosis came after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms, leading to the discovery of a prostate nodule.
The subsequent diagnosis revealed prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone—a classification that places his cancer among the most aggressive forms.
Understanding the medical challenge
A Gleason score of 9 indicates a high-grade, aggressive form of prostate cancer. It indicates that the cancer cells look very different from normal prostate cells and are likely to grow and spread rapidly. This places the cancer in the Grade Group 5, the highest-risk category.
Yet there's encouraging news within this challenging diagnosis. Despite the cancer's aggressiveness, its hormone-sensitive nature offers a viable treatment pathway.
Medical experts emphasise that life expectancy for metastatic prostate cancer is increasing.
'With newer therapies directed at metastatic disease, survival is much longer than it was 20 years ago. Now it's five to 10 or even more' years.
'With newer therapies directed at metastatic disease, survival is much longer than it was 20 years ago. Now it's five to 10 or even more'
Current treatment approach
Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment, with the radiation treatment expected to span five weeks.
This represents a comprehensive approach to managing his condition. He mentioned taking a pill for six weeks before beginning another pill regimen and noted he's being treated by a leading surgeon who was diagnosed with the same type of cancer three decades ago.
The treatment plan reflects modern advances in oncology. Even patients with high-risk prostate cancer 'can live a pretty normal life and have a good quality of life, as long as the cancer is treated.'
That treatment is personalised to each patient and might come in several forms, such as hormone therapy, chemotherapy or radiation.
A surprising progression
What's particularly striking about Biden's case is how rapidly the diagnosis developed. Biden's health documents during his time in the White House from 2021-2024 showed no signs of aggressive prostate cancer.
His health reports from 2021—2024 showed no signs of prostate cancer before his office announced he was battling 'aggressive' cancer.
Medical experts noted that 'to go from no concern or suspicion to full-blown metastatic cancer is unusual.
It's much more unusual to have a negative reading and then discover that, in a short period of time, you have this aggressive metastatic cancer'.
Understanding Gleason scores
The Gleason scoring system rates prostate cancer from 1-10 based on how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope.
Biden's score of 9 indicates highly aggressive cancer, but hormone sensitivity offers treatment options.
Most prostate cancers have much lower scores and excellent survival rates.
What this means for Australian men
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death among men in the U.S. An estimated 313,780 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed this year, representing 15.4 per cent of all new cancer cases.
In Australia, the statistics are similarly significant, with prostate cancer being the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men.
The American Cancer Society recommends that men talk with their doctors about whether to be screened for prostate cancer.
Those discussions should take place at age 50 for men at average risk, and at age 45 for men at high risk, including Black men and men who have a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer under age 65.
However, Biden's age raises important questions about screening protocols. Men his age are not usually screened for prostate cancer, with the American Cancer Society recommending that men in their 50s and 60s get screened every two years.
It's unclear whether Biden was screened for prostate cancer during his last medical exam in office.
The importance of symptoms awareness
Men in Biden's age range are usually diagnosed when they have symptoms from problems caused by the cancer, such as bone pain or even bone breaks or sudden urinary symptoms, as Biden apparently did.
Tumors often cause no urinary symptoms while confined to the prostate, and the first sign may be bone pain or unexplained weight loss once the disease has metastasised. Alternatively, by the time symptoms appear in the prostate, the cancer may have already spread beyond the prostate.
Prostate cancer warning signs to discuss with your GP
- Changes in urination patterns or difficulty urinating
- Blood in urine or semen
- Persistent bone pain, particularly in the back or hips
- Unexplained weight loss
- New onset of erectile dysfunction
A personal and family battle
Biden's cancer diagnosis carries additional emotional weight given his family's history with the disease. The announcement coincided with the ten-year anniversary of his son Beau Biden passing away from glioblastoma.
'For the Bidens, this day is the 10th anniversary of the loss of my son Beau, who spent a year in Iraq'.
Despite the challenges, Biden has maintained a remarkably positive public stance. '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 attitude aligns with research showing that positive mental health can support treatment outcomes.
Treatment advances offer hope
The medical community emphasises that the five-year survival rate from prostate cancer is roughly 98 per cent. Prostate cancer usually grows very slowly.
While finding and treating it before symptoms occur may not improve men's health or help them live longer, it is generally a more treatable type of cancer, even when it has spread.
While the fact that Biden's cancer had spread to the bone 'is very serious and not curable,' there is 'good news in the newer hormonal and chemotherapy therapies that have come into this space in the past few years which have shown impressive results and extended the longevity of patients significantly'.
Moving forward with optimism
The former president, who turns 83 next month, is said to be 'doing well'. His openness about his diagnosis may encourage other men to seek screening and discuss symptoms with their doctors.
Medical professionals note that having a public figure such as Biden discuss having cancer can nudge others to sign up for screening.
Biden's journey illustrates both the challenges and possibilities in fighting advanced prostate cancer. While his diagnosis is serious, the combination of hormone-sensitive cancer, advanced treatment options, and a strong support system provides genuine reasons for hope.
As Australian men navigate their own health decisions, Biden's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of symptom awareness, regular health discussions with GPs, and the remarkable advances in cancer treatment that continue to extend and improve lives.
What aspects of prostate cancer screening and treatment concern you most? Have you had discussions with your GP about prostate health? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Primary Source
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...tml?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
Joe Biden strikes optimistic tone about cancer diagnosis: ‘We’re going to be able to beat this’ | CNN Politics
Cited text: Former President Joe Biden struck an optimistic tone when discussing his cancer diagnosis for the first time Friday, saying, “We’re going to be able t...
Excerpt: Joe Biden spoke publicly about his aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis for the first time, his words were characteristically optimistic: 'We're going to be able to beat this.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/30/politics/joe-biden-cancer-diagnosis-public-speech
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Cited text: “Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diag...
Excerpt: Biden's diagnosis came after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms, leading to the discovery of a prostate nodule.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/18/politics/joe-biden-prostate-cancer
Joe Biden undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer treatment—ABC News
Cited text: A Gleason score of 9 indicates a high-grade, aggressive form of prostate cancer. It further indicates that the cancer cells look very different from n...
Excerpt: A Gleason score of 9 indicates a high-grade, aggressive form of prostate cancer.
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/joe...-prostate-cancer-treatment/story?id=126428468
Joe Biden undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer treatment—ABC News
Cited text: Yet despite the cancer's aggressiveness, its hormone-sensitive nature offers a viable treatment pathway, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Excerpt: Despite the cancer's aggressiveness, its hormone-sensitive nature offers a viable treatment pathway
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/joe...-prostate-cancer-treatment/story?id=126428468
Hollings Cancer Center urologist on what Biden's cancer diagnosis means | MUSC | Charleston, SC
Cited text: One bit of encouraging news about metastatic prostate cancer is that life expectancy is increasing. “With newer therapies directed at metastatic disea...
Excerpt: life expectancy for metastatic prostate cancer is increasing. 'With newer therapies directed at metastatic disease, survival is much longer than it was 20 years ago.
https://web.musc.edu/about/news-cen...ologist-on-what-bidens-cancer-diagnosis-means
Hollings Cancer Center urologist on what Biden's cancer diagnosis means | MUSC | Charleston, SC
Cited text: Now it's five to 10 or even more,” Wallen said.
Excerpt: life expectancy for metastatic prostate cancer is increasing. 'With newer therapies directed at metastatic disease, survival is much longer than it was 20 years ago.
https://web.musc.edu/about/news-cen...ologist-on-what-bidens-cancer-diagnosis-means
Joe Biden undergoing radiation therapy as cancer care enters new phase
Cited text: "As part of a treatment plan for prostate cancer, President Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment," the spok...
Excerpt: Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment, with the radiation treatment expected to span five weeks
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/jo...-radiation-therapy-prostate-cancer-rcna237019
Joe Biden undergoing radiation therapy as cancer care enters new phase
Cited text: The radiation treatment, which is expected to span five weeks, marks a new point in the former president's care.
Excerpt: Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment, with the radiation treatment expected to span five weeks
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/jo...-radiation-therapy-prostate-cancer-rcna237019
Joe Biden strikes optimistic tone about cancer diagnosis: ‘We’re going to be able to beat this’ | CNN Politics
Cited text: “All the folks are optimistic.” · Biden said he is taking a pill for the next six weeks before beginning another pill regimen.
Excerpt: He mentioned taking a pill for six weeks before beginning another pill regimen
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/30/politics/joe-biden-cancer-diagnosis-public-speech
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Cited text: Even patients with high-risk prostate cancer “can live a pretty normal life and have a good quality of life, as long as the cancer is treated,” Brahmb...
Excerpt: Even patients with high-risk prostate cancer 'can live a pretty normal life and have a good quality of life, as long as the cancer is treated…
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Excerpt: Biden's health documents during his time in the White House from 2021-2024 showed no signs of aggressive prostate cancer.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/bi...d-no-sign-recently-revealed-aggressive-cancer
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Excerpt: Medical experts noted that 'to go from no concern or suspicion to full-blown metastatic cancer is unusual.
https://news.northeastern.edu/2025/05/19/joe-biden-aggressive-prostate-cancer-diagnosis/
Expert in cancer progression ‘surprised’ by Joe Biden’s late-stage cancer diagnosis
Cited text: · “It’s much more unusual to have a negative reading and then discover that, in a short period of time, you have this aggressive metastatic cancer,” L...
Excerpt: Medical experts noted that 'to go from no concern or suspicion to full-blown metastatic cancer is unusual.
https://news.northeastern.edu/2025/05/19/joe-biden-aggressive-prostate-cancer-diagnosis/
Joe Biden undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer treatment—ABC News
Cited text: ... Prostate cancer is the most common cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death among men in the U.S., according to the National Institutes...
Excerpt: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death among men in the U.S.
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/joe...-prostate-cancer-treatment/story?id=126428468
Hollings Cancer Center urologist on what Biden's cancer diagnosis means | MUSC | Charleston, SC
Cited text: “What we've learned over the years is that men are more reluctant to do screening than women are.” · The American Cancer Society recommends that men t...
Excerpt: The American Cancer Society recommends that men talk with their doctors about whether to be screened for prostate cancer.
https://web.musc.edu/about/news-cen...ologist-on-what-bidens-cancer-diagnosis-means
Joe Biden undergoing radiation therapy as cancer care enters new phase
Cited text: Men his age are not usually screened for prostate cancer, with the American Cancer Society recommending that men in their 50s and 60s get screened eve...
Excerpt: Men his age are not usually screened for prostate cancer, with the American Cancer Society recommending that men in their 50s and 60s get screened every two years.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/jo...-radiation-therapy-prostate-cancer-rcna237019
Hollings Cancer Center urologist on what Biden's cancer diagnosis means | MUSC | Charleston, SC
Cited text: Wallen said men in that age range are usually diagnosed when they have symptoms from problems caused by the cancer, such as bone pain or even bone bre...
Excerpt: Men in Biden's age range are usually diagnosed when they have symptoms from problems caused by the cancer, such as bone pain or even bone breaks or sudden urinary symptoms, as Biden apparently did
https://web.musc.edu/about/news-cen...ologist-on-what-bidens-cancer-diagnosis-means
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Cited text: Tumors often cause no urinary symptoms while confined to the prostate, and the first sign may be bone pain or unexplained weight loss once the disease...
Excerpt: Tumors often cause no urinary symptoms while confined to the prostate, and the first sign may be bone pain or unexplained weight loss once the disease has metastasised.
https://www.michiganmedicine.org/he...prostate-cancer-diagnosis-mean-older-patients
Joe Biden strikes optimistic tone about cancer diagnosis: ‘We’re going to be able to beat this’ | CNN Politics
Cited text: The comments came after Biden delivered remarks at a Memorial Day service in New Castle, Delaware, where he offered a spirited defense of democracy an...
Excerpt: The announcement coincided with the ten-year anniversary of his son Beau Biden passing away from glioblastoma.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/30/politics/joe-biden-cancer-diagnosis-public-speech
Joe Biden strikes optimistic tone about cancer diagnosis: ‘We’re going to be able to beat this’ | CNN Politics
Cited text: For the Bidens, this day is the 10th anniversary of the loss of my son Beau, who spent a year in Iraq.
Excerpt: The announcement coincided with the ten-year anniversary of his son Beau Biden passing away from glioblastoma.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/30/politics/joe-biden-cancer-diagnosis-public-speech
Joe Biden strikes optimistic tone about cancer diagnosis: ‘We’re going to be able to beat this’ | CNN Politics
Cited text: “Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places,” Biden wrote. “Thank you for lifting ...
Excerpt: 'Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/30/politics/joe-biden-cancer-diagnosis-public-speech
Joe Biden undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer treatment—ABC News
Cited text: The five-year survival rate from prostate cancer is roughly 98 per cent, the NIH says. Prostate cancer usually grows very slowly. While finding and treating i...
Excerpt: the five-year survival rate from prostate cancer is roughly 98 per cent. Prostate cancer usually grows very slowly.
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/joe...-prostate-cancer-treatment/story?id=126428468
Biden starts radiation therapy to treat prostate cander | CNN Politics
Cited text: The fact that Biden’s cancer had spread to the bone “is very serious and not curable,” Davies said. However, “There is some good news here in the newe...
Excerpt: While the fact that Biden's cancer had spread to the bone 'is very serious and not curable,' there is 'good news in the newer hormonal and chemotherapy therapies that have come into this space in the past few years which have shown…
https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/11/politics/joe-biden-radiation-therapy-cancer
Joe Biden undergoing radiation therapy as cancer care enters new phase
Cited text: The former president, who turns 83 next month, is said to be “doing well.” · In 2023, while he was still in office, Biden had a skin lesion removed du...
Excerpt: The former president, who turns 83 next month, is said to be 'doing well'
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/jo...-radiation-therapy-prostate-cancer-rcna237019
Hollings Cancer Center urologist on what Biden's cancer diagnosis means | MUSC | Charleston, SC
Cited text: That can only be done in a clinical trial space because we don’t know if it makes a difference.” · They aren’t sure about that treatment yet, but Wall...
Excerpt: Medical professionals note that having a public figure such as Biden discuss having cancer can nudge others to sign up for screening
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