Former US President Joe Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy as part of his ongoing treatment for prostate cancer. This latest development in his care was confirmed by his spokesperson. In addition to radiation, Biden is also receiving hormone treatment, though specific details about this aspect of his care have not been released.
The radiation treatment is reportedly set to span five weeks, marking a significant step in his medical management. This course of treatment comes after Biden’s office announced in May that he had been diagnosed with a more aggressive form of prostate cancer that had metastasized to the bone.
The initial discovery was made when Biden reported urinary symptoms, leading to the detection of a small nodule on his prostate. At the time of the diagnosis, his office stated that the cancer was characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating a high-grade and potentially fast-spreading form of the disease. However, the cancer is considered hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management through treatment.
Biden, at 82 years old, is the oldest serving US president. His health has been a subject of discussion throughout his term, and questions about his fitness for office were raised during his campaign for re-election. Ultimately, he withdrew from the presidential race.
Biden has a long-standing commitment to advocating for cancer research. In 2022, he and his wife, Jill Biden, revitalized the “cancer moonshot” initiative, aiming to significantly reduce cancer deaths by 2047. This initiative reflects Biden’s personal connection to the cause, having lost his eldest son, Beau, to brain cancer in 2015.
Prostate cancer is a common concern for men, being the second most frequent cancer after skin cancer. According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 13% of men are expected to develop prostate cancer during their lifetime, with age being a primary risk factor.