Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an "aggressive" form of prostate cancer, his office said on Sunday.
"While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management," his office said.
Prostate cancers are ranked in terms of their severity on a scale of one to 10, in what is called a Gleason score.
Biden's prostate diagnosis has been given a Gleason score of nine, meaning it has metastasized to the bone, the statement said.
Biden, 82, is reviewing treatment options with his family, the statement added.
The Biden family has been impacted by the disease before. Biden's son, Beau, died of brain cancer in 2015.
What was Joe Biden's political career?
Biden began his political career in 1972 when he was elected senator for the northeastern state of Delaware, a position in which he served six terms.
After serving as the 47th Vice President during Barack Obama's two terms between 2009 and 2017, Biden defeated incumbent Donald Trump to serve as president from 2021 to 2025.
He abruptly withdrew his bid for reelection in July 2024, amid concerns among Democrats and intense media scrutiny about his age, physical health and mental acuity, which peaked following a shaky televised debate against Trump.
Biden's former vice president Kamala Harris took over as Democratic Party's nominee but she was roundly defeated by Trump.
Biden was the oldest president in American history when he won the 2020 election, a record Trump, 78, broke four years later.
Reactions
Biden's sucessor, Donald Trump, expressed sadness over the news in a post on his Truth Social platform.
"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," Trump said.
Kamala Harris, who served as vice president under Biden, said she was keeping the former president in her family's "hearts and prayers during this time."
"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," Harris said.
Former President Barack Obama, under whom Biden served as vice president, also expressed his well wishes.
"Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery," Obama said.
