Former President Joe Biden Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer

Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer, his spokesperson said on Sunday.

The Details: According to a statement from his personal office Sunday, the former president has been diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bone.   

Key Quotes: “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 President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”

For Context: Prostate cancer is common in older men, with approximately one out of eight men being diagnosed during their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. Metastatic cancer is classified as stage 4 cancer, which means the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as distant lymph nodes, organs or bones. It is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men, after lung cancer. This diagnosis coincides with the release of several books about the final year of Biden's administration, some of which raise questions about his cognitive abilities.

How the Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum reported similar details, framing the diagnosis within broader conversations about the former president’s overall health. NBC News (Lean Left) highlighted the fact that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management. Fox News (Right) reported the same details and shared a video discussing the media's portrayal of Biden's mental state. The Hill (Center) discussed Biden's recent public appearances and the ongoing debate about his mental acuity during his presidency.

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