Former President Joe Biden Expresses Gratitude After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Wilmington, Delaware, May 19, 2025 – Former President Joe Biden, 82, shared a heartfelt message of thanks to supporters on Monday, a day after his office announced he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 and metastasis to the bone, is Stage 4, indicating it has spread beyond the prostate. Despite the severity, Biden’s office noted the cancer is hormone-sensitive, allowing for effective management through treatments like hormone therapy.
In his first public comment since the diagnosis, Biden posted on X, “Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.” The message, accompanied by a photo of Biden smiling alongside former First Lady Jill Biden and their cat, Willow, resonated widely, drawing an outpouring of support from across the political spectrum.
The diagnosis followed Biden’s evaluation last week for urinary symptoms, which led to the discovery of a prostate nodule. On Friday, May 16, doctors confirmed the cancer, prompting Biden and his family to begin reviewing treatment options with his physicians. Medical experts, including Dr. William Dahut of the American Cancer Society, noted that while the cancer is not curable once it has spread to the bones, hormone therapy could allow Biden to live for many years with a good quality of life. Survival times vary widely, ranging from under a year in aggressive cases to over a decade in others.
Biden’s diagnosis has elicited bipartisan support. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.” Former Vice President Kamala Harris called Biden “a fighter,” expressing hope for a full recovery, while former President Barack Obama praised Biden’s resolve and contributions to cancer research.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of Biden’s long-standing commitment to fighting cancer, a deeply personal cause since the death of his son Beau from brain cancer in 2015. As vice president, Biden led the Cancer Moonshot initiative, which he relaunched as president in 2022 to halve cancer death rates over 25 years. The program funded research, expanded screenings, and resulted in nearly 8 million cancer screenings, according to Biden administration records.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among U.S. men, with an estimated 313,780 new cases projected for 2025. While early-stage prostate cancer has a near-100% five-year survival rate, metastatic cases like Biden’s have a lower survival rate, averaging around 31%, though advances in treatment have improved outcomes.
Biden, who left office in January as the oldest U.S. president, has kept a low profile but recently reemerged to defend his legacy in public appearances. His diagnosis has sparked renewed discussions about his health, particularly after a June 2024 debate performance that led him to drop his re-election bid and endorse Harris. Some, like CNN’s Brian Stelter, have questioned the timing of the announcement amid scrutiny of Biden’s final years in office, though medical experts stress the cancer’s recent detection aligns with its aggressive nature.
As Biden navigates this personal challenge, his message of resilience reflects a sentiment shared by many facing cancer. “The Joe Biden I know, Delaware knows, and our country knows, is a strong fighter,” said Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester, echoing the widespread hope for his recovery.
By Staff Writer