Former U.S. President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, according to a statement from his office released on Sunday. The diagnosis followed a medical examination prompted by urinary symptoms and the discovery of a small nodule on his prostate. Doctors confirmed the cancer is high-grade, with a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) — indicating a fast-growing and potentially life-threatening form of the disease. However, the statement noted the cancer is hormone-sensitive, allowing for effective treatment options. Biden's Health Diagnosis Raises Concerns and Support Across Political Spectrum Biden, who ended his 2024 re-election campaign amid health concerns, is now exploring treatment plans with his family. His diagnosis has drawn messages of support from leaders across the political aisle. Donald Trump, the current U.S. President and Biden’s political rival, expressed sympathy on Truth Social: “We are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family and wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.” Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden's former running mate and current Democratic presidential nominee, wrote on X: “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.” Barack Obama, under whom Biden served as Vice President, praised Biden’s lifelong advocacy for cancer research: “Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe. We pray for a fast and full recovery.” Global Leaders Respond to Biden’s Cancer Diagnosis UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also shared his support: “I am very sorry to hear President Biden has prostate cancer. Wishing Joe, Jill, and their family a swift and successful treatment.” What Is Gleason Score 9 Prostate Cancer? A Gleason score of 9 signifies high-grade prostate cancer, known for its likelihood to spread quickly. According to Cancer Research UK, this level of severity requires prompt and aggressive treatment. Expert Opinion on Biden’s Prognosis Dr. William Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer at the American Cancer Society, noted: “When prostate cancer has spread to the bones, it is generally not considered curable. However, many patients respond well to initial treatment and can live for years with the condition.” Hormonal therapy is expected to be a key part of Biden’s treatment, aiming to slow the growth of cancer cells and relieve symptoms. Biden’s Ongoing Legacy in Cancer Research Biden has long championed cancer research, especially after losing his son Beau Biden to brain cancer in 2015. In 2016, he led the "Cancer Moonshot" initiative, launched by President Obama to accelerate cancer treatment breakthroughs. He and First Lady Jill Biden reintroduced the initiative in 2022, aiming to prevent over 4 million cancer deaths by 2047. Despite stepping back from public life after leaving office in January, Biden gave a rare interview to the BBC in May, where he called his decision to drop out of the 2024 race “difficult.” He also denied rumors of cognitive decline during a TV appearance, saying, “There is nothing to sustain that.” Prostate Cancer: A Common Yet Treatable Disease According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the U.S., with 13 in 100 men developing the disease in their lifetime. Age is the leading risk factor.