Former President Joe Biden, the oldest individual to have served in the United States’ highest office, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has reportedly spread to his bones. This development has sparked widespread concern and renewed discussions surrounding Biden’s health.

Diagnosis and Treatment Plan

According to a statement released by Biden’s office on Sunday, the 82-year-old Democrat’s diagnosis came after he began experiencing increased urinary symptoms and a new prostate nodule was detected. The statement outlined that while the cancer is more aggressive, it appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management.

“The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians,” the statement noted, reassuring the public that the situation, though serious, is being managed. Prostate cancer is common in older men, and while it often grows slowly, Biden’s case is more aggressive, with a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) — the highest rating given to prostate cancer.

The Gleason Score and Its Significance

A Gleason score of 9 indicates that the cancer cells in Biden’s prostate are highly abnormal. This score is often used to assess the severity of prostate cancer and can help doctors determine the appropriate course of treatment. The American Cancer Society defines prostate cancer at this stage as very aggressive, but treatment options like hormone therapy can shrink tumors and slow the disease’s progression.

A History of Health Concerns

Joe Biden’s health has been a topic of speculation for many years, particularly during his presidency. As the oldest president in U.S. history, Biden faced questions regarding his physical and mental endurance. Throughout his time in office, he confronted doubts, particularly about his age and cognitive abilities. His response was famously succinct: “Watch me.”

However, despite his determination, concerns about his health remained. Biden had already undergone multiple surgeries during his lifetime, including two brain aneurysm surgeries in 1988 and the removal of a basal cell carcinoma from his chest in 2023. His son, Beau Biden, tragically passed away from brain cancer in 2015, which has made Biden particularly sensitive to issues surrounding cancer.

Health Challenges During His Presidency

The issue of Biden’s health took a sharp turn during the 2024 presidential election campaign, when he was forced to withdraw from his re-election bid following a disastrous debate performance against Republican contender Donald Trump. During the debate, Biden’s age and mental sharpness became a focal point, leading to growing concerns about his suitability for another term.

Despite these concerns, Biden had insisted that he was capable of running the country and that his mental faculties were still intact. However, with the recent health diagnosis, these conversations about his fitness for public office have resurfaced. The upcoming release of a book titled Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, by CNN journalist Jake Tapper and Axios’ Alex Thompson, promises to add more fuel to the fire.

A Life of Resilience Amid Personal Tragedy

Biden’s life has been marked by numerous tragedies and challenges. In 1972, shortly after being elected to the U.S. Senate, he lost his wife and infant daughter in a car crash. Additionally, Biden faced significant health scares with his brain aneurysms, and more recently, the skin cancers he has had removed.

Despite these personal and health setbacks, Biden’s resilience remains a defining feature of his life. His administration saw historic achievements, though his health will continue to be under close scrutiny, especially as his cancer diagnosis brings additional challenges.

Looking Ahead: The Question of Leadership

As the Biden family navigates this latest health battle, questions about the future of American leadership loom large. The political landscape remains uncertain, with speculation about the 2024 election intensifying following Biden’s withdrawal from the campaign. His health issues could affect future decisions about his participation in political life, and the nation waits to see how this new health crisis unfolds.