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.

The Gleason score, used by physicians to assess the severity and aggressiveness of prostate cancer, ranges from 6 to 10.

A score of 9 places Biden’s cancer at the highest risk level, meaning the cells appear highly abnormal and are likely to grow and spread quickly.

In response to the diagnosis, Biden took to Twitter (X), sharing a photo with his wife Jill and their cat, accompanied by a reflective and personal caption:

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

Support from Donald Trump

Biden’s former political rival, President Donald Trump, also issued a public statement through his Truth Social platform, extending his support to the Biden family.

“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.”