Former US President Joe Biden has commenced an intensive regimen of radiation and hormone therapy to combat aggressive, metastatic prostate cancer, a diagnosis revealed in May. This critical phase of his health journey underscores his long-standing commitment to cancer research and treatment, a deeply personal cause shaped by both his own experiences and profound family loss.
The health of public figures often captures widespread attention, and former US President Joe Biden‘s recent announcement regarding his cancer treatment is no exception. At 82 years old, Biden, who will turn 83 next month, has begun radiation therapy alongside hormone treatment as part of a comprehensive plan to manage an aggressive form of metastatic prostate cancer. This development, first reported by CBS News, marks a significant new phase in his ongoing health battle since his diagnosis in May.
A Deeper Look at the Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
Biden’s medical team diagnosed him in May with what they described as an “aggressive form” of metastatic prostate cancer. This means the cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland. Specifically, his condition is characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone, indicating a high-risk and advanced stage of the disease, as detailed by CBS News. Despite its aggressive nature, the cancer has been identified as hormone-sensitive, a crucial factor suggesting it is likely to respond positively to hormone-blocking therapies.
The current treatment regimen combines two powerful modalities: radiation therapy and hormone treatment. A spokesperson for the former president told Fox News that the radiation therapy is expected to span five weeks, complemented by ongoing hormone medication, which has previously been administered in pill form. This combination aims to target cancer cells throughout the body and slow the disease’s progression, a common approach for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.
Biden’s Extensive Health History and Cancer Advocacy
This is not Biden’s first encounter with cancer or significant health challenges. In September, he underwent a Mohs surgery to remove cancerous skin cells from his forehead, a procedure that left a visible scar, according to reports from The Hill. Prior to that, in February 2023, while still in office, a small skin lesion with cancerous tissue, later confirmed as basal cell carcinoma (the most common form of skin cancer), was successfully removed from his chest during his annual physical, as reported by CBS News.
Beyond cancer, Biden has a history of severe health events, including two life-threatening brain aneurysms in 1988 at the age of 45, which required successful surgeries. These personal health battles, coupled with the profound loss of his son, Beau Biden, to brain cancer in 2015, have deeply shaped his public advocacy for cancer research.
The Legacy of the ‘Cancer Moonshot’ Initiative
During his presidency, Joe Biden placed a significant emphasis on accelerating progress in cancer treatment and research. He spearheaded the revitalization of the “Cancer Moonshot” initiative, an ambitious project aimed at reducing the cancer death rate by 50% over 25 years and improving the experience of living with cancer. This initiative, which he and former First Lady Jill Biden championed, sought to foster collaboration across government, academia, and the private sector to make breakthrough discoveries.
Biden’s personal connection to cancer makes his own treatment news particularly poignant. His ongoing fight serves as a high-profile reminder of the disease’s pervasive impact and the critical need for continued investment in research and innovative therapies. Despite his current health challenges, sources close to the former president indicate that he is “doing well” and responding positively to the treatment.
Community Response and Broader Implications
The announcement of Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment has drawn an outpouring of support from across the political spectrum. Even political rivals, including former President Donald Trump, extended their well wishes, highlighting a moment of bipartisan concern for personal health. Trump, in May, wrote on social media, “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis… We wish Joe a fast and successful recovery,” according to The Hill.
This news also comes at a time when the health of prominent political figures, especially those of advanced age, remains a significant topic of public discussion. As Biden undergoes his treatment in Philadelphia, his journey continues to resonate with countless individuals affected by cancer, underscoring both the advancements in medical science and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.
