‘Cancer touches us all’: Joe Biden thanks public for support after prostate cancer diagnosis

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. pic.twitter.com/oSS1vGIiwU

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 19, 2025

Biden’s office revealed on Sunday that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, which has spread to his bones. The news raised new questions about his health during his time in office.

President Donald Trump reacted by expressing his sadness over Biden’s diagnosis but also raised concerns without evidence, suggesting that the public might not have been informed about Biden’s illness sooner. Trump questioned why the diagnosis had not been shared earlier, especially given the advanced stage of the cancer.

“To get to stage nine, it takes a long time,” Trump said. “It could take years to get to this level of danger,” adding that people should try to find out more about the situation.

Biden’s office clarified that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer on Friday, with a Gleason score of 9, which indicates an aggressive form of the disease. However, doctors have said the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which can allow for effective management.

The diagnosis came after Biden reported urinary symptoms, leading to doctors discovering a small nodule on his prostate.

Many people, including former President Barack Obama and ex-Vice President Kamala Harris, have offered their support to Biden. King Charles also sent a private letter of encouragement to Biden. The 76-year-old king, who has met Biden several times, is also undergoing treatment for cancer after his diagnosis in 2024.

Biden had previously expressed his concern for the king’s health, saying, “I’m concerned about him. Just heard about his diagnosis. I’ll be talking to him, God willing.”

Despite the support, Biden’s health has come under scrutiny. Vice President JD Vance questioned whether the American public had been fully aware of Biden’s health status while he was in office. “We need to be honest about whether the former president was capable of doing the job,” Vance said, adding that people around him should have been more transparent about his condition.

This comes amid the release of a book, ‘Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again’, which claims Biden’s health deteriorated while he was in office. The book, set to be released on Tuesday, includes allegations such as Biden not recognising actor George Clooney at a fundraiser and discussions among aides about using a wheelchair for him.

(with inputs from agencies)