In November 2021, he had a polyp removed from his colon that was a benign, but potentially pre-cancerous, lesion. According to the American Cancer Society, about one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime and it stands as the second-leading cause of cancer death in men, behind lung cancer. The disease kills around one in 44 men, though most who are diagnosed do not die from it.

Former U.S. President Joe Biden has spoken publicly for the first time since receiving a diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer, offering a heartfelt message of resilience and gratitude.

The announcement came on May 18, when Biden’s personal office released a statement confirming the 82-year-old had been diagnosed with prostate cancer characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5).

One of the most aggressive forms of the disease. The cancer has metastasized to the bone, though doctors say it remains hormone-sensitive, allowing for treatment options to help manage it.

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

“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management.

The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”