Joe Biden’s Aggressive Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: Key Signs And Symptoms To Know (Image Credits: Instagram)
Former US President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has already spread to his bones, according to a statement from his office. Doctors reportedly discovered a lump in Biden’s prostate during a routine medical check-up. He had earlier complained of difficulty urinating, which led to further investigation. Further tests confirmed the presence of a fast-growing and aggressive type of prostate cancer, with a Gleason score of 9 — a high score that suggests the cancer is serious and likely to spread quickly.
While the diagnosis is severe, Biden’s medical team noted that the cancer is hormone-sensitive. This means it may respond to hormone therapy, a common treatment that works by lowering testosterone levels, which can help slow cancer growth. However, because the cancer has already spread to his bones — a condition known as bone metastasis — treating it becomes more complicated.
Due to his age and the advanced stage of the cancer, Biden is unlikely to undergo surgery. Instead, his doctors are reportedly considering hormone therapy, radiation, and medication to control symptoms and slow the disease’s progression. The Biden family is currently consulting with medical experts to determine the best course of action.
What Is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer starts in the prostate — a small gland in men that helps produce semen. It is one of the most common cancers in older men. While many prostate cancers grow slowly and remain confined to the gland, some types are aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body, including bones and lymph nodes.
What Is The Gleason Score
Doctors use the Gleason score to assess how abnormal prostate cancer cells look under a microscope. The score helps predict how likely the cancer is to grow and spread. Scores range from 6 (less aggressive) to 10 (most aggressive). A score of 9, like Biden’s, means the cancer is likely to spread quickly and needs prompt treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
In the early stages, prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. However, when symptoms do appear, they may include:
Weak or interrupted urine flow
Frequent urination, especially at night
Pain or burning during urination
Blood in the urine or semen
Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis
Painful ejaculation
These symptoms can also be caused by other non-cancerous conditions, so it’s important to consult a doctor if any persist.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on how advanced the cancer is, the patient’s overall health, and whether the cancer has spread. Common treatments include:
Hormone therapy: Slows or stops cancer growth by reducing male hormone levels.
