What's happened
As of October 19, 2025, former President Joe Biden, 82, is undergoing a five-week course of radiation therapy alongside hormone treatment for aggressive stage 4 prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. Diagnosed in May, his cancer has a Gleason score of 9, indicating high aggressiveness but hormone sensitivity. He recently had skin cancer lesions removed from his forehead.
What's behind the headline?
Aggressive Cancer Management in a Former President
Joe Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment highlight the challenges of managing aggressive cancers in elderly patients, especially public figures. His Gleason score of 9 places his cancer among the most aggressive types, yet its hormone sensitivity allows for effective management through hormone therapy and radiation.
Public Transparency and Political Context
Biden's openness about his diagnosis and treatment contrasts with typical political reticence around health issues, reflecting a shift toward transparency. This is particularly notable given his prior health scrutiny during the 2024 presidential campaign, which he ended after a poor debate performance.
Implications for Public Awareness
The former president's case may raise awareness about prostate cancer's prevalence in older men—80% of men over 80 have some cancerous prostate cells—and the importance of early detection and treatment. His ongoing treatment underscores that even advanced prostate cancer can be managed to maintain quality of life.
Forecast and Consequences
Biden's treatment plan, including a five-week radiation course, suggests a proactive approach aiming to control tumor growth and symptoms. While not curative, hormone-sensitive cancers respond well to such regimens. His public appearances, despite visible signs of treatment, may influence public perceptions of cancer survivorship and aging.
Broader Impact
This story intersects health, politics, and personal resilience, offering a nuanced view of aging leaders facing serious illness. It also contrasts with former President Trump’s declared excellent health, highlighting differing health narratives among recent U.S. presidents.
What the papers say
Ariel Zilber of the New York Post reports on Biden's first public outing since starting radiation therapy, noting his visible scar from recent skin cancer surgery and his slow walk with support. The Times of Israel and Al Jazeera provide detailed medical context, explaining Biden's diagnosis of aggressive stage 4 prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9 and the addition of radiation therapy to his ongoing hormone treatment. The Independent and AP News echo these details, emphasizing the cancer's aggressiveness and hormone sensitivity. Bloomberg and The Mirror confirm the initiation of radiation therapy as part of his treatment plan. South China Morning Post adds context by comparing Biden's health to that of Donald Trump, who recently underwent a medical check-up declaring him in excellent health. Mike Bedigan of The Independent offers insight into the timeline of Biden's diagnosis and treatment, including the surgery to remove skin cancer lesions. These sources collectively provide a comprehensive picture of Biden's health status, treatment, and public response, with varying emphasis on medical details, political implications, and personal resilience.
How we got here
Biden was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in May 2025 after urinary symptoms led to the discovery of a prostate nodule. His cancer had metastasized to his bones and was assigned a Gleason score of 9. He began hormone therapy earlier and recently added radiation treatment. Biden also underwent surgery in September to remove skin cancer lesions from his forehead.
Go deeper
- What is the Gleason score and why does it matter?
- How common is prostate cancer in elderly men?
- What treatments are available for advanced prostate cancer?
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