President acknowledges receiving encouragement after revealing aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis.
U.S. President
Joe Biden expressed his gratitude to supporters in a message shared on social media platform X on Monday, thanking them for their 'love' received after announcing that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer with bone metastases.
The 82-year-old former president stated, 'Cancer touches us all.
Like many of you, Jill and I have learned that when life hits us, that’s when we are the strongest.'
The announcement of his diagnosis was made by Biden's team on Sunday, revealing that he has a Gleason score of 9 out of 10, which measures the aggressiveness of prostate cancers.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, accounting for 15% of all male cancers.
The prostate is a male gland that primarily functions to produce a fluid that constitutes part of semen.
The American Cancer Society emphasizes that while prostate cancer can be survivable when detected at an early stage, it remains the second leading cause of cancer death among men, highlighting the importance of early detection.
Biden's office noted that he and his family are currently assessing treatment options with his medical team.
Prior to this diagnosis, Biden underwent surgery in 2023 to remove a small lesion on his chest, which was confirmed to be cancerous.
During his presidency, he initiated a significant research and funding initiative aimed at curing cancer, with a goal of reducing cancer mortality by 50% over 25 years.
Following the announcement, numerous messages of support poured in.
Former President Barack Obama stated, 'No one has done more than Joe in the fight against cancer,' expressing confidence that Biden would tackle this challenge with his characteristic determination and grace.
Current President
Donald Trump also expressed sadness over Biden's diagnosis, wishing him a 'quick and successful recovery,' despite previously mocking Biden's physical capabilities during their electoral contest in 2020.
Vice President Kamala Harris referred to Biden as a 'fighter,' asserting that he would meet this challenge with the strength, resilience, and optimism that have always characterized his life and leadership.
Harris had announced her candidacy for the 2024 presidential election following Biden's withdrawal amid concerns about his health after a contentious debate with Trump.
The discussion surrounding Biden's gradual decline during his presidency has intensified, particularly following the release of an audio recording from 2023 where he appeared to struggle recalling significant dates from his life.
A forthcoming book by journalists Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson details how the White House concealed information about Biden's increasing vulnerabilities, despite his efforts to remain in the race for re-election.
In recent statements, Biden has denied experiencing cognitive decline towards the end of his term, asserting, 'After stepping back from the presidential race, I continued to serve as president for six more months, and I did a good job.'