Joe Biden has shared a heartbreaking message after it was announced that he is battling “aggressive” cancer.
The announcement of Biden’s diagnosis came from his personal office on Sunday. “Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms,” the statement read.
“On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone,” it continued.
“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.”
The Gleason grading system is used to determine how aggressive prostate cancer is. According to the Mayo clinic : “The Gleason score and grade group are numbers that tell your healthcare team whether your prostate cancer is growing slowly or quickly. How quickly a cancer grows also is called a cancer’s grade.”
A score of 9 places Biden’s condition among the most severe, with a high likelihood of rapid progression.
In a recent post to social media, Biden shared a candid photo of himself smiling with his wife, former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, who is seen cradling their cat Willow.
The image comes just days after his team confirmed that the 81-year-old has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer.
“Cancer touches us all,” Biden wrote.
He continued: “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.”
The diagnosis has sparked an outpouring of support from political figures on both sides of the aisle—including Biden’s former political rival, Donald Trump
“Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis,” Trump posted on Truth social . “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Members of Congress also shared personal messages of encouragement.
“I was saddened to hear of President Biden’s cancer diagnosis and am wishing him and his family well as he begins treatment,” said Senator Susan Collins of Maine.
Senator Thom Tillis added: “Praying for his full recovery,” while Utah Senator Mike Lee called the news “sad.”
Even Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed support, writing: “I was sorry to see this news. Cancer is truly awful. My Dad passed away in 2021 with cancer. Prays for Joe Biden and his family.”
