Joe Biden Faces Challenging Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Joe Biden, at age 82, is confronted with a high-grade prostate cancer diagnosis, stirring concerns over his health and political future.

Former US President Joe Biden has recently received a diagnosis of prostate cancer, as disclosed in a formal statement from his office on Sunday. The 82-year-old Biden was diagnosed following a medical consultation last week due to urinary symptoms. His cancer, assessed with a Gleason score of 9, has been categorized as aggressive and has reportedly metastasized to the bone, according to his office.

Biden, along with his family, is currently deliberating over potential treatment options. Notably, his office mentioned that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, suggesting it may be manageable with proper care. This news arrives almost a year after Biden was compelled to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race due to worries regarding his health and advancing age.

As the oldest individual to assume the presidency in US history, Biden's health has drawn significant scrutiny. Last June, during a televised debate against Republican nominee and sitting president Donald Trump, he faced intense criticism for his performance, ultimately leading to Kamala Harris stepping in as the Democratic candidate.

With a Gleason score of 9, Cancer Research UK classifies Biden’s cancer diagnosis as high-grade, indicating that the cancer cells have a rapid potential for spread. This situation is developing, and further updates are anticipated as the story unfolds. For real-time alerts and updates, follow @BBCBreaking on X or utilize the BBC News App on your smartphone or tablet.