Biden’s diagnosis, first revealed in May, was described as an aggressive but hormone-sensitive form of cancer — meaning it can be effectively managed with medication. “It’s all a matter of taking one particular pill for six weeks and then another one,” the 82-year-old explained at the time, adding that he felt optimistic about his recovery.
According to his office, Biden’s cancer was classified with a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) and had metastasized to the bone — a sign of a high-grade, fast-growing cancer. Despite its severity, doctors remain hopeful because hormone-sensitive cancers often respond well to treatment.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., with more than 313,000 new cases expected this year, according to the National Institutes of Health. Fortunately, the five-year survival rate remains high at around 98%, as the disease typically progresses slowly and can often be managed effectively, even after spreading.
Biden’s latest treatment follows Mohs surgery in September to remove skin cancer. His health has been closely watched since before he withdrew from the 2024 presidential race, when he endorsed then–Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.
Before announcing his prostate cancer diagnosis, both Biden and Dr. Jill Biden appeared on The View, where they dismissed reports suggesting the former president had experienced cognitive decline near the end of his presidency.