Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an "aggressive form" of prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bone, as revealed in a statement from his office on Sunday. This news comes following a recent medical evaluation where doctors discovered a prostate nodule after Mr. Biden experienced troubling urinary symptoms.

At 82 years old, Biden's health has been a significant concern for both his family and the public. The diagnosis was made last Friday, and it has raised serious concerns given that the spread of cancer to the bones complicates treatment options. Prostate cancer is given a Gleason score, which assesses the aggressiveness of cancerous cells compared to normal cells, with scores ranging from two to ten. The office confirmed that Biden's Gleason score is nine, indicating a highly aggressive cancer.

Despite the daunting prognosis, Biden’s office emphasized that the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which opens up potential avenues for effective management of the disease. Hormone-sensitive cancers can often be treated successfully by therapies that deprive the tumors of the hormones they need to grow.

In a heartfelt reaction, former President Donald Trump expressed his sadness over the news, extending his best wishes to Biden and his family through a post on TruthSocial. Trump remarked, "We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery." This sentiment highlights a moment of bipartisan support amidst a challenging time.

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg praised Biden's deep faith and extraordinary resilience, echoing the sentiments of many who believe in Biden’s strength as he faces this health crisis. Throughout his presidency, Biden's health has been a topic of concern, particularly during his bid for re-election.

Biden had previously made headlines in February 2023 when he had a skin lesion removed from his chest, which was identified as basal cell carcinoma—a common but generally non-life-threatening skin cancer. Furthermore, in November 2021, during a routine colonoscopy, a benign but potentially pre-cancerous polyp was removed, marking Biden’s ongoing medical scrutiny.

In 2022, he announced a significant initiative known as the "Cancer Moonshot," aimed at drastically reducing the cancer death rate by half over the next 25 years. This effort is a continuation of Biden's long-standing commitment to cancer research and treatment, a mission amplified by his personal experiences, including the loss of his son Joseph "Beau" Biden, who succumbed to brain cancer after a prolonged battle.

As Biden and his family review treatment options with his physicians, the nation watches closely, hoping for positive outcomes in both his health and his ongoing commitment to cancer advocacy.