Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, according to a statement from his personal office on Sunday.

“Last week, President Joe Biden was evaluated after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, with a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating an aggressive form of the disease that has spread to the bone,” the statement read.

Despite the severity, doctors say the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which makes it more manageable. Biden, 82, and his family are now reviewing treatment options with his medical team.

In a post on X, Biden wrote, “Cancer touches us all… Jill and I have learned we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”

The announcement follows recent evaluations after a small prostate nodule was discovered. Medical experts note that prostate cancer is common, especially in older men. A Gleason score of 9 is considered highly aggressive, but new therapies offer hope for managing the disease.

Dr. Benjamin Davies of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, not involved in Biden’s care, noted that bone metastasis is serious and not curable. However, he added, “There is some good news—recent advances in hormone and chemotherapy treatments have significantly improved outcomes and extended survival.”

Biden is currently at his home in Wilmington, Delaware, where he is expected to begin treatment soon.

Health Concerns During and After Office

Biden’s health has been under scrutiny, especially during the 2024 presidential race. A physical in February 2024 declared him “fit for duty,” but a new book by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’ Alex Thompson described signs of decline that aides reportedly downplayed. The book claimed Biden sometimes showed confusion and did not recognize people like actor George Clooney at public events.

Biden dropped out of the 2024 race after a difficult debate against Donald Trump. Since then, he has kept a low profile, although he appeared with his wife on ABC’s The View earlier this month to push back against claims of cognitive decline. “They are wrong,” Biden said firmly.

Political and Public Support

Despite past political rivalries, Trump posted a message of support on Truth Social: “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis… We wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”

Vice President Kamala Harris, who took over Biden’s campaign after he stepped aside, also offered words of encouragement. “Joe is a fighter,” she said on X, expressing optimism for his recovery.

A Lifelong Mission Against Cancer

Cancer is a deeply personal issue for Biden. His son Beau Biden died of brain cancer in 2015 at age 46. As Vice President, Biden led the Obama administration’s “Cancer Moonshot” initiative. In 2022, he relaunched the program, aiming to cut the U.S. cancer death rate by 50% over the next 25 years.

President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton both recognized Biden’s leadership in cancer research and advocacy.

“Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family,” Obama said. “Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer… and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace.”