Former President Joe Biden Faces Metastatic Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. The 82-year-old former president was evaluated by doctors after experiencing urinary symptoms, which led to the discovery of a prostate nodule. Further testing confirmed that the cancer had spread to his bones. The diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer marks a significant health challenge, though experts say it is not uncommon for men of Biden’s age. 

Dr. Matthew Smith, a prostate cancer specialist at Massachusetts General Brigham, explained that many older men can feel generally well even as cancer progresses silently, as reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

“This is a very common scenario,” said Smith. “Men may not have symptoms until the disease is more advanced, which can make the diagnosis feel sudden or surprising.”

Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. While many forms are treatable when caught early, aggressive and late-stage cases like Biden’s are more serious. Biden’s cancer received a Gleason score of 9, indicating a highly aggressive form of the disease.

Despite the severity, recent advances in treatment have improved outcomes. Patients with metastatic prostate cancer today can often live four to five years following diagnosis, sometimes longer with effective therapy. Treatment typically begins with medications that target and suppress male hormones, which help fuel prostate cancer cell growth. Surgery and radiation are generally not recommended once the disease has spread beyond the prostate.

“This form of cancer can be managed with drug therapy, even if it can’t be cured,” Smith stated.

The diagnosis also raises broader questions about cancer screening for older adults. Guidelines generally advise against routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for men over 70 due to concerns about overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Biden may not have been undergoing regular PSA monitoring, consistent with current recommendations.

While PSA testing can detect some cancers early, it’s less reliable in spotting aggressive forms and can produce false positives. For men aged 55 to 69, health officials say the decision to screen should be made on an individual basis after considering potential risks and benefits. Roughly 1 in 8 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society.

Biden’s team said he is consulting with his physicians to determine the best course of action and will release further updates as decisions are made.