Joe Biden, in first public statement after cancer diagnosis, thanks all for support

Joe Biden made his first public statement on Monday, May 19, 2025, following the announcement of his cancer diagnosis.

The 82-year-old former president revealed he is battling an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones.

“Cancer touches us all.

“Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places.

“Thank you for lifting us up with love and support,” Biden wrote on social media.

This message marked his first direct communication since his office confirmed the diagnosis on Sunday.

According to a statement from Biden’s personal office, the diagnosis came after he sought medical attention for worsening urinary symptoms.

“Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms,” the statement said.

“On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.”

A Gleason score of 9 indicates one of the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, there is some hopeful news.

The cancer is reportedly hormone-sensitive, meaning it can be treated more effectively with certain therapies.

Biden and his family are currently consulting with doctors to determine the best treatment approach.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who became the Democratic presidential nominee in 2024 after Biden stepped aside in July, expressed her support and admiration.

“Joe is a fighter – and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership,” she said.

Barack Obama, who served with Biden for eight years in the White House, also offered his support on social media.

“Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family.

“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace.

“We pray for a fast and full recovery,” he wrote.

King Charles III, who is undergoing cancer treatment himself, sent Biden a private message of support.

The two have met multiple times, including a tea and policy discussion at Windsor Castle in July 2023.

A spokesperson for the monarch described their relationship as “extremely cordial.”

Biden also attended Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022 and met with Charles at the COP26 climate summit in 2021.

This was supposedly when Charles was still the Prince of Wales.

When Charles was diagnosed with cancer in early 2024, Biden expressed concern and well wishes, saying, “I’m concerned about him.

“Just heard about his diagnosis. I’ll be talking to him, God willing.”

Recently, the King shared publicly that he hopes he is now on the “better side” of his treatment journey.

President Donald Trump, who succeeded Biden, extended his sympathies in a rare moment of unity.

“Melania and I 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,”

Trump posted, notably referring to Biden simply as “Joe”, echoing how Biden had used “Donald” when speaking after the assassination attempt on Trump.

However, Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., took a sharply different tone, spreading baseless speculation online.

“What I want to know is how did Dr. Jill Biden miss stage five metastatic cancer or is this yet another coverup???” he wrote on social media.

(It is worth noting that cancer staging does not include a “stage five.”)

Congressman Ronny Jackson of Texas echoed these unfounded claims, accusing Biden’s physician of being more focused on politics than on providing quality care.

Amid these reactions, a recent U.S. Senate report revealed that the Trump administration has cut federal funding for cancer research by 31%.

This sparked further criticism and concern from health advocates.

As Biden and his family face this difficult diagnosis, support continues to pour in from global leaders, political allies.

Also, many Americans who admire his decades-long commitment to cancer research and his personal strength in the face of adversity.

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