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Former President Joe Biden is now undergoing radiation and hormone therapy as part of his continuing treatment for prostate cancer, a spokesperson announced Saturday.
The 46th president of the United States received his diagnosis in May with a “more aggressive form of the disease” that had metastasized to his bones. This was detected after medical professionals identified a “small nodule” on his prostate during a standard health check.
On Saturday, a spokesperson for the 82-year-old Democrat confirmed he’d begun a new phase in his care.
“As part of President Biden’s treatment for prostate cancer, he is currently involved in radiation and hormone therapies,” stated his spokesperson Kelly Scully.
The radiation is expected to take about five weeks, while he’s already been taking hormone medication in pill form.
Biden, who halted his pursuit of reelection in July 2024 due to increasing concerns about his health and cognitive well-being, had an elevated risk of developing prostate cancer because of his age.
In a poignant post on social media following the official announcement of his diagnosis, Biden expressed gratitude for the support he received and shared his commitment to battling the illness.
“Cancer affects all of us. Like many of you, Jill and I have discovered that we are strongest in our broken places,” he wrote, accompanying a photo of himself, the former first lady, and their cat, Willow.
At the time of his announcement, several oncologists told NBC News that given the nature of Biden’s cancer and the fact that it had already spread of his bones, it was possible he’d gone undiagnosed for years.
Prostate cancers are graded for aggressiveness using what’s known as a Gleason score. , which range from 6 to 10. Biden’s office said his score was 9, suggesting his cancer is among the most aggressive.
Last month, Scully confirmed that Biden had also undergone surgery to remove skin cancer lesions. The procedure, known as Mohs surgery, involves removing layers of skin until no evidence of cancer remains.
With News Wire Services
