Biden Releases First Public Statement After Aggressive Cancer Diagnosis

The former president thanked people for their support after the announcement.

Then-President Joe Biden attends a Department of Defense Commander in Chief Farewell Ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Va., on Jan. 16, 2025. Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

Former President Joe Biden on May 19 released his first statement after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

“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,” Biden said in a statement posted on social media platform X.

Biden’s post also included a photo of himself, former first lady Jill Biden, and their cat, coming just a day after his office released a statement confirming the diagnosis.

“Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms,” his office said in a statement to media outlets on May 18.

“On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.”

His family is now looking into treatment options, the office said. The statement did not provide more details about his health, although when a cancer spreads to the bone, it’s usually a sign that it’s at an advanced stage.

“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,” the statement reads. “The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”

Days before the diagnosis was announced, Biden’s office said that a “small nodule” was found in his prostate area, coming fewer than four months after he left office in January.

Out of every 100 men in America, about 13 will have prostate cancer during their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Early treatment can eliminate the cancer, which is fatal in a minority of cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the most common risk factor in developing prostate cancer is age. Biden is 82.

Meanwhile, health officials say that when cancer spreads to the bone, known as bone metastasis, it can lead to other complications. Life expectancy also isn’t long, according to the Cleveland Clinic, which says that survival rates after cancer spreads to the bone range from six or seven months to more than four years.

The May 18 announcement prompted an outpouring of support from Democrats and Republicans alike.

President Donald Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social: “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”

Former Vice President Kamala Harris said in a post on social media platform Bluesky that she and her husband, Doug Emhoff, were dismayed to learn of his diagnosis.

“Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery,” she wrote.

Former President Barack Obama said on Facebook that “nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe,” referring to Biden-related policy initiatives that he headed after the death of his son Beau from brain cancer in 2015.

“I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace,” Obama said. “We pray for a fast and full recovery.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said in a post on X, “This is certainly sad news, and the Johnson family will be joining the countless others who are praying for the former President in the wake of his diagnosis.”

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.