Prostate Cancer Treatability: Insights from a Doctor on Biden’s Diagnosis

Former President Joe Biden has announced he is battling “aggressive” prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, but the good news is that it appears to be hormone-sensitive. This means it can be effectively managed.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, just behind skin cancer. In the U.S., it has a high five-year survival rate of 97%. However, this rate drops significantly to 37% when the cancer spreads.

Dr. Ben Davies, an expert in urology, emphasized how serious Biden’s case is, labeling it as one of the most severe forms of this illness. He noted that while Biden faces tough odds, there are effective treatment options available.

Current treatments may include hormonal therapies that lower testosterone levels, potentially slowing the cancer’s growth. These can be combined with chemotherapy and radiation. Davies expressed optimism, suggesting it is possible for Biden to live ten years with this diagnosis.

Recent statistics show about 313,780 new cases of prostate cancer are expected in the U.S. in 2025, with around 35,770 deaths from the disease. This highlights how common prostate cancer is. Notably, one in eight men will face this diagnosis at some point in their lives. While it can be highly treatable if caught early, it remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men.

Biden has a Gleason score of 9, indicating a high-risk cancer. The scoring system assesses how quickly cancer cells can grow, informing treatment decisions. Biden is currently consulting with his medical team to explore his options.

While some may connect Biden’s age—he’s 82—to the severity of his situation, Davies points out that age shouldn’t be the sole factor in determining treatment. Instead, it’s about the individual’s overall health and how they respond to therapy.

In his first public statement about his condition, Biden expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support. He shared a touching message about the universal impact of cancer, feeling a connection to many who have faced similar challenges.

The American Cancer Society has seen the prostate cancer death rate fall by about half from 1993 to 2022. However, the pace of this decline has slowed, especially as more late-stage diagnoses have emerged. Since 2014, new cases have been climbing at a rate of about 3% per year.

Research in prostate cancer treatment has made notable progress, particularly in extending the lives of those diagnosed with advanced cases. Experts, including Davies, advocate for continued robust funding for cancer research, suggesting that adequate support is vital for future advancements in care.

Biden has previously championed cancer awareness, especially after losing his son, Beau, to brain cancer in 2015. During his vice presidency, he initiated the Cancer Moonshot initiative to accelerate research progress, aiming to make substantial strides in cancer treatment.

Overall, while Biden’s diagnosis is serious, ongoing research and treatment developments provide hope. As experts agree, a strong support system and effective therapies can make a positive difference in outcomes for many facing prostate cancer.