Former U.S. President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, according to a statement from his office released Sunday. The diagnosis follows a medical consultation last week prompted by worsening urinary symptoms.

Doctors confirmed the presence of a prostate nodule and delivered the diagnosis on Friday. The cancer, described as aggressive, carries a Gleason score of 9 out of 10, indicating a high-grade form likely to spread quickly. Despite the seriousness of the disease, the cancer is reportedly hormone-sensitive, offering treatment options that could help manage the condition.

Biden and his family are currently reviewing available treatment paths. Experts, including Dr. William Dahut of the American Cancer Society, note that while bone metastasis generally means the disease is not curable, many patients live for years with proper therapy. Biden is expected to undergo hormonal treatment aimed at slowing the cancer’s progression.

The announcement has prompted bipartisan support. President Donald Trump and former First Lady Melania extended well wishes, while Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, offered prayers, praising Biden's resilience. Former President Barack Obama highlighted Biden’s leadership in cancer research, referencing the 2016 Cancer Moonshotprogram, which Biden helped spearhead.

Biden, the oldest person to have served as U.S. President, stepped down from the 2024 election race last year, citing health concerns following a poor debate performance. His vice president, Kamala Harris, replaced him as the Democratic nominee.

A longtime advocate for cancer research, Biden lost his son Beau to brain cancer in 2015. In 2022, he and First Lady Jill Biden relaunched the Cancer Moonshot initiative to reduce cancer deaths significantly by 2047.

Although he has largely withdrawn from public life since leaving office in January, Biden made a notable speech in April and gave a BBC interview in May, where he discussed his decision to exit the 2024 race and denied rumors of cognitive decline.

The nation now watches with hope as Biden faces this new personal battle, one he is widely expected to confront with the same determination that defined his long public career.