New Delhi, 19 May 2025: Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of stage 4 prostate cancer. According to official medical sources, the cancer has metastasized—spread beyond the prostate—to his legs, most likely to the bones, a common site for advanced prostate cancer.
The 82-year-old political leader, who served as the 46th President of the United States, is currently undergoing treatment under close medical supervision. The diagnosis, made after Biden complained of urinary issues and discomfort, revealed a high Gleason score of 9, indicating a fast-growing and poorly differentiated tumor. Doctors have classified the cancer as hormone-sensitive, which offers some treatment options and hope for managing the disease effectively.
This alarming development raises serious questions about the nature of prostate cancer, especially in its advanced stages. How deadly is stage 4 prostate cancer? Is it treatable? And what does the diagnosis mean for Biden’s health moving forward?
Understanding Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer originates in the prostate gland, a small organ in the male reproductive system located below the bladder. It is one of the most common cancers among men, particularly those over the age of 50. The disease often progresses slowly and may not cause significant symptoms in its early stages.
The aggressiveness of prostate cancer is commonly assessed using the Gleason scoring system, which ranges from 6 to 10. A score of 9, as in Biden’s case, signifies a highly aggressive cancer with a greater likelihood of rapid growth and spread.
What Are The Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), Prostate cancer usually first causes symptoms by simply reducing the flow of urine, which leads to poor stream size, dribbling and the need to pass urine several times during the night.
“There may also be blood in the urine. Of course, benign prostate enlargement is very common and causes the same symptoms. The only ways to distinguish one from the other are by a biopsy and by PSA,” it added.
In more advanced cases, prostate cancer can spread (metastasize) to bones or lymph nodes, causing: Bone pain (especially in the hips, back, or thighs), Unexplained weight loss, and Fatigue.
Stage 4 Prostate Cancer: What It Means
Stage 4 prostate cancer indicates that the cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland to other parts of the body, such as bones, lymph nodes, or other organs. In Biden’s case, the cancer has metastasized to his bones, a common site for advanced prostate cancer spread.
Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer can include:
- Bone pain, particularly in the hips, back, or legs
- Fatigue and weakness
- Unintended weight loss
- Urinary difficulties, such as increased frequency or urgency
These symptoms often prompt further medical evaluation, leading to diagnosis.
Prognosis and Survival Rates
The prognosis for stage 4 prostate cancer varies based on several factors, including the patient’s age, overall health, and response to treatment. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate for prostate cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body is approximately 37%.
