New York: Former US President Joe Biden disclosed on X that he has metastatic prostate cancer, only days after doctors confirmed a Gleason-9 tumour with bone involvement.

Biden thanked well-wishers and said he and wife Jill “are strongest in the broken places”. His office says the cancer is hormone-sensitive and treatment plans are under review.

Joe Biden broke his silence on 19 May with a selfie of Jill Biden holding the family cat Willow and a message acknowledging an aggressive prostate-cancer diagnosis: “Cancer touches us all… Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”

A statement from his personal office said Biden was evaluated last week for worsening urinary symptoms; a biopsy on Friday confirmed a Gleason score 9 (Grade Group 5) tumour that has metastasised to bone. Although such a score denotes one of the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer, doctors note the disease appears hormone-sensitive, making it amenable to current systemic therapies.

Biden, 82, leaves office as both the oldest serving and oldest elected US president. Prostate nodules had been flagged for “further evaluation” a week earlier. The family is now weighing treatment options, which could include androgen-deprivation therapy, next-generation hormone blockers and targeted radiotherapy.

Political figures were quick to respond. Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: “We are saddened to hear of Joe’s diagnosis and wish him a fast and successful recovery.”

The American Cancer Society estimates that prostate cancer affects one in eight men during their lifetime, but aggressive, bone-metastatic cases like Biden’s pose a markedly higher mortality risk. Early detection through PSA testing and timely treatment remain key preventive measures.