Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an advanced and aggressive form of prostate cancer that has already spread to his bones, according to a statement released by his personal office on Sunday.
“Last week, President Biden was evaluated after reporting worsening urinary symptoms. A new prostate nodule was discovered, and by Friday he was officially diagnosed with prostate cancer,” the statement read. The diagnosis includes a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5)—a high-risk classification—with evidence of bone metastasis.
Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, Biden’s team noted the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for a more favorable response to treatment. He and his family are currently working with his medical team to explore the best treatment options, according to a report by CNN.
Diagnosis Comes Amid Growing Scrutiny of Biden’s Health
This health update arrives at a time when questions about Biden’s mental fitness continue to circulate. Several recent books and media reports have accused Biden’s aides of concealing signs of his declining cognitive abilities during his time in office.
One of the most talked-about is the upcoming book Original Sin by CNN anchor Jake Tapper and co-author, which reportedly details how White House staff allegedly shielded the public from the president’s memory struggles.
In a January CNN interview, Tapper pressed Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) on his past criticism of Special Counsel Robert Hur, who in his February report observed that Biden might appear to a jury as a “well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.” Schiff had labeled Hur’s comments inappropriate and politically motivated, but Tapper pointed out that the assessment was based on Hur’s personal interviews with Biden—and had since been backed up by audio recordings.
Tensions Over DOJ and Biden’s Mental Acuity
During that same interview, Tapper also reminded Schiff that Democrats—including Biden himself—had criticized the Justice Department in relation to the Hunter Biden investigation. Schiff deflected, blaming Republicans for waging a years-long campaign to undermine trust in the DOJ.
Tapper defended Hur’s report, saying the special counsel had to explain why he declined to prosecute Biden for mishandling classified documents—even though Hur concluded Biden had broken the law.
“Mr. Biden would likely present himself to a jury, as he did during our interview of him, as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory,” Hur wrote in his final report.
During a heated House hearing in March, Schiff attacked Hur for including what he claimed were “gratuitous” personal observations. Hur, however, stood by his findings, arguing they were necessary to justify the DOJ’s decision not to press charges.
Bottom Line
As Biden confronts a serious health challenge, new questions are once again being raised about his overall fitness and ability to serve in a high-pressure role. With the 2024 election cycle heating up, his health—both physical and mental—is likely to remain in the spotlight.
