The diagnosis followed the detection of a small nodule during a routine physical exam earlier in the week. Biden’s spokesperson noted that the finding led to more extensive medical evaluation, ultimately resulting in the cancer diagnosis.
This is not the first time the former president has faced cancer. In February 2023, while still in the White House, a cancerous lesion was removed from his chest. Prior to his presidency, Biden underwent Mohs surgery to treat several non-melanoma skin cancers.
As public concern grows, many are seeking to understand what Biden’s diagnosis entails and what treatment options might be available.
Understanding Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer originates in the prostate gland, which plays a key role in the male reproductive system by producing seminal fluid. It is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
In 2025, an estimated 313,780 new prostate cancer cases are expected in the U.S., accounting for over 15% of all new cancer diagnoses. Additionally, around 35,770 men are projected to die from the disease, comprising nearly 6% of all cancer deaths.
Despite these statistics, prostate cancer generally has a high five-year survival rate of about 98%, especially when detected early. The cancer typically progresses slowly, and in many cases, men may live for years without symptoms. Nonetheless, some cases — such as Biden’s — can be far more aggressive and harder to treat.
The average age of diagnosis is 68, and the median age of death from the disease is 79. While incidence rates have been climbing slightly in recent years, mortality rates continue to decline.
What Is a Gleason Score?
The Gleason score is a grading system used to assess the aggressiveness of prostate cancer. It’s determined by examining prostate tissue under a microscope to see how much the cancer cells differ from normal cells and how likely they are to grow and spread.
Scores range from 6 to 10, with higher numbers indicating more aggressive cancer. A score of 9 — like Biden’s — is considered extremely aggressive, placing the cancer in Grade Group 5, the highest risk level. This suggests a greater likelihood that the cancer will metastasize and present complex treatment challenges.
Though a high Gleason score signals a severe condition, hormone-sensitive prostate cancers like Biden’s still have treatment options. See More
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