At 82, former U.S. President Joe Biden faces one of the most challenging battles of his life: an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has already spread to his bones.
The news of his diagnosis has struck a chord with many around the world, not just because of his stature as a former world leader, but because it touches on something deeply human — the vulnerability that comes with illness, no matter who you are. Biden’s diagnosis came after he sought medical help for worsening urinary symptoms — a move that, according to doctors, may have saved his life.
A small nodule discovered on his prostate during an examination led to more detailed investigations. The results revealed a high-grade cancer, with a Gleason score of nine out of ten — one of the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men worldwide and particularly affects those over 50. It develops in the prostate, a small gland below the bladder that produces seminal fluid.
While many prostate cancers are slow-growing and may not cause significant harm, Biden's case highlights the more dangerous side of the disease — the kind that can spread quickly and silently. By the time doctors completed their assessments, the cancer had already metastasized to his bones, placing Biden at stage four — the most advanced phase of the illness.
At this stage, the cancer is no longer curable, but it is treatable. Doctors are optimistic about managing the disease with a combination of hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted treatments aimed at slowing the cancer’s progression and relieving symptoms like bone pain and fatigue.
Importantly, Biden’s cancer is hormone-sensitive, meaning it still responds to treatments that block male hormones like testosterone, which fuel the cancer’s growth. This increases the likelihood that the therapies will be effective in improving his quality of life.
For many, Biden’s diagnosis feels personal. It has renewed public awareness about prostate cancer, its risks, and the importance of early detection. It also brings to light the quiet suffering many men endure.
Symptoms of early prostate cancer are often mild or non-existent, but when they do appear — frequent nighttime urination, difficulty starting or stopping urination, or a sense of incomplete emptying of the bladder — they are easy to dismiss. Biden’s own symptoms were subtle but persistent enough to prompt a visit to his doctor.
As news of his condition broke, messages of support flooded in from across the political spectrum — including from former President Donald Trump. In a rare moment of unity, the response underscores a truth that transcends politics: cancer does not discriminate.
It affects the famous and the unknown, the rich and the poor, young and old. There are also important lessons for men everywhere.
The American Cancer Society estimates that one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. For Black men, and those with a family history of the disease, the risks are even higher.
Yet, many still avoid screening out of fear, pride, or lack of information. Biden’s story could change that.
By openly confronting his diagnosis, he may inspire more men to take control of their health, have open conversations with their doctors, and get screened early. His courage serves as a reminder that early action can make a life-saving difference.
Though his path ahead will be difficult, Biden’s resolve — shaped by decades of public service and personal loss — will no doubt carry him through. His journey, now as a cancer patient, is not just his own.
It echoes the stories of millions around the world who face cancer with strength, fear, hope, and humanity. In sharing his diagnosis, Biden has opened a door for an important dialogue.
It’s a call for men to listen to their bodies, to stop brushing off signs, and to realise that life, even in the face of illness, is still worth fighting for — one doctor’s appointment at a time.
