Joe Biden Battles Aggressive Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Joe Biden, at 82, has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer that has metastasized, prompting him and his family to explore treatment options amid ongoing concerns about his health and political future.

Former US president Joe Biden has received a diagnosis of prostate cancer, a disclosure made by his office on Sunday. The 82-year-old experienced urinary symptoms prompting a doctor's visit last week, where he learned of the diagnosis made on Friday. His office reported that the cancer has a Gleason score of 9 and has metastasized to the bone, categorizing it as a more aggressive type of this disease.

In light of the diagnosis, Biden and his family are currently evaluating potential treatment avenues, as stated in the office’s announcement. It was also noted that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which suggests that it may be manageable through therapy.

This announcement comes nearly a year after Biden stepped back from the 2024 presidential race, primarily due to rising concerns about his age and health. Holding the record for the oldest president in U.S. history, Biden had faced intense scrutiny regarding his capabilities during the election cycle. His role as the Democratic nominee was ultimately taken over by Vice President Kamala Harris following a challenging performance in a pivotal June debate against his Republican opponent, Donald Trump.

According to Cancer Research UK, a Gleason score of 9 indicates a "high-grade" cancer that may advance quickly. This story is still unfolding, and further updates will be shared as they develop. For real-time updates, you can access the latest news via the BBC News App or follow @BBCBreaking on X.