Former US President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, according to a statement released by his office on Sunday.

Doctors found a lump in Joe Biden’s prostate during a regular check-up after he reported having some trouble while urinating.

Further tests showed that the cancer is aggressive and fast-growing, with a Gleason score of 9 – one of the highest scores used to measure how serious prostate cancer is.

Despite the severity, Biden’s medical team has reported that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which means there’s potential for effective management through hormone therapy.

Such treatments could help reduce testosterone levels, thereby slowing cancer growth. However, the presence of bone metastases complicates treatment, as cancer that spreads is harder to treat completely.

According to various reports, Biden and his family are currently consulting with doctors to decide on the best treatment plan. Given his age and the advanced stage of cancer, surgery is not expected. Instead, treatments may include hormone therapy, radiation, and medicines to manage symptoms and slow the disease.

WHAT IS PROSTATE CANCER?

Prostate cancer begins in the prostate gland, a small gland in men that produces seminal fluid. It is one of the most common cancers in older men. Most prostate cancers grow slowly, but some types can be aggressive and spread quickly to other parts of the body, such as the bones or lymph nodes.

WHAT IS THE GLEASON SCORE?

The Gleason score is a system doctors use to grade prostate cancer based on how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope.

Scores range from 6 to 10. A score of 9, like in Biden’s case, means the cancer is high-grade and likely to grow and spread faster. It helps guide doctors in choosing the best treatment.

HOW IS PROSTATE CANCER TREATED?

Treatment depends on how fast the cancer is growing, whether it has spread, and the patient’s age and overall health. Common options include:

Hormone therapy: Reduces levels of male hormones that help the cancer grow.

Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.

Chemotherapy or medications: Help slow the disease and manage symptoms.

Surgery: Often used in early stages, but less likely for older patients with advanced cancer.

Biden’s diagnosis brings attention to the importance of routine screenings and early detection, especially for men over 50.