Joe Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive' prostate cancer

Former US president has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. A statement from 's personal office said he has an "aggressive form" of the disease.

The statement read: "Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone. While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management."

The former president and his family are reviewing treatment options, the statement added.

Cancer Research UK says a Gleason score of 9 means cells "look very abnormal" and the cancer is "likely to grow quickly".

, 82, left the White House in January after one term as president.

There were many concerns over his age and health during both his time in office and his re-election campaign.

He later withdrew from the presidential race with and was replaced as the Democrat nominee by

Writing on his Truth Social platform, said he and the First Lady Melania Trump are "saddened to hear about Joe Biden's recent medical diagnosis".

"We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery," the President said.

In recent days, rejected concerns about his age despite reporting in a new book that aides had shielded the public from the extent of his decline while serving as president.

was the 46th President of the between January 2021 and January 2025.

He was previously Vice President under Barack Obama.

MP, who served as Prime Minister during Mr Biden's time in the White House, said: "So sorry to hear the news that President Biden has prostate cancer.

"Too many men are struck by this disease. We must continue to raise awareness of the danger it poses.

"Wishing Joe all the best for his treatment."

In February 2023, had a skin lesion removed from his chest that was a common form of skin cancer.

In November 2021, he had a polyp removed from his colon that was a benign, but potentially pre-cancerous lesion.

During his time in the White House, he made a "cancer moonshot" one of his administration's priorities.

He had a goal of halving the cancer death rate over the next 25 years - the initiative was a continuation of his work as Vice President to address a disease that had killed his eldest son, Beau, who died from brain cancer in 2015.

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention says 13 out of every 100 American men will get prostate cancer during their lifetime.