Inside Joe Biden’s ‘Aggressive’ Cancer Diagnosis: Everything We Know So Far — And What’s Next for the Former President

Joe Biden is reviewing treatment options as his “aggressive” prostate cancer has metastasized to the bone.

The former president, who is 82 years old, was diagnosed on May 16 after a “small nodule” was found on his prostate earlier in the week. In the days after his diagnosis, Biden wrote in a statement on X that “cancer touches us all” alongside a photo of himself smiling with former First Lady Jill Biden and their cat, Willow.

“Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places,” he wrote. “Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”

Here’s everything we know so far about Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis.

A “small nodule” was first found on his prostate

A spokesperson for Biden first confirmed on May 13 that doctors found a “small nodule” on his prostate.

“In a routine physical exam a small nodule was found in the prostate which necessitated further evaluation,” the spokesperson told ABC News in a statement.

Though they didn’t share further information at the time, the outlet reported that since tests were pending, it was still too early to determine whether the nodule was caused by inflammation or something else.

He was diagnosed with “aggressive” prostate cancer

Five days later, Biden’s personal office announced upon further testing, the former president was diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer on May 16.

“Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms,” the statement said.

“On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone,” the statement continued.

A prostate cancer’s grade group refers to the likelihood of the cancer growing or spreading to other parts of the body, per the American Cancer Society.

Grade group 5 means the cancer is highly aggressive and rapidly growing. According to Saint John’s Cancer Institute, individuals at grade 5 are considered high risk.

Biden is “reviewing treatment options”

As Biden’s team figures out how to best treat the cancer, his personal office specified that they are currently looking into different management plans.

“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,” the office shared. “The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”

Trump made a statement after the diagnosis announcement

President Donald Trump spoke out about Biden’s cancer diagnosis hours after it was announced, writing a statement on Truth Social.

“Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis,” Trump wrote. “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”

Trump wasn’t the only politician to speak publicly about Biden’s diagnosis. Former Vice President Kamala Harris also wrote a statement on X, wishing the former president “a full and speedy recovery.”

“Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis,” Harris wrote. “We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time.”

She continued, “Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership.”