How serious is Prostate Cancer? Understanding the disease Joe Biden is facing now

Former president Joe Biden, 82 years old, is said to have an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. The diagnosis came after he had a yearly exam, where a prostate nodule was discovered after he said his urinary symptoms had worsened. The cancer has a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating a very aggressive, high-grade tumor. Luckily, the cancer is hormone sensitive, which means that it can be managed rather well with hormone therapy. Biden and his family are working with his medical team to determine the best treatment options.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the United States as a whole. The prognosis is usually good when caught early. In cases where metastasis has occurred, as in the case of Joe Biden, the prognosis is not favorable. For men with distant (metastatic) prostate cancer, the American Cancer Society estimates that the five-year relative survival rate is approximately 31 percent. This suggests that Joe Biden's prognosis is serious.

Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer: Treatment options and Political reactions to Biden’s diagnosis

Prostate cancers that are hormone-sensitive respond to treatments that lower testosterone levels, so the goal of therapy is to use treatments such as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and other newer hormonal treatments, to slow the growth of disease and its spread. These types of therapies help with symptom management and to prolong survival when prostate cancer becomes more advanced, and they can help in all stages of the disease, but they are not curative. Overall, the disease will progress in time, and those will likely be some of the options Biden's medical team will consider when determining his treatment plan.

Since the announcement of Biden's diagnosis, reactions have come from all sides of the political spectrum. President Donald Trump expressed his condolences when he issued a statement saying, "Melania and I are very saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We send our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery." The statements came from other political figures and pundits, too; there were a lot of statements to express support and also called for some privacy for the family.

Biden’s Cancer diagnosis sparks new focus on Health and age in Politics

Biden's health has been a topic of discussion throughout his political career during his presidency. Concerns about age and cognition, specifically, were introduced by critics. Biden, however, has overcome concerns and follows a rigorous schedule. In February 2024, Biden's doctor deemed him to be "fit for duty." Biden's diagnosis certainly changes the conversation surrounding his health and age of public figures.

While Biden and his family navigate this time of uncertainty, the public will wait to hear more information about state and treatment plan. But his diagnosis has also furthered the conversation, yet again, about the necessity for advancements in cancer treatment for persons who may have a similar diagnosis or living the possibility of a similar diagnoses.