Obamas React to Joe Biden's Cancer Diagnosis
By Kate Plummer
Former president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama have sent their well wishes to former president Joe Biden, following his prostate cancer diagnosis.
The Context
On Sunday, Biden's office announced that the Democrat has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer after he "was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms."
Biden's office said his cancer score was 9 on the Gleason score, a 1 to 10 scale which measures how the cancerous cells look compared with normal cells. A rating of 9 suggests his cancer is among the most aggressive.
His office also said it had spread to the bone, but added: "The cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians."
In 2021, the latest year for which data is available, 236,659 new cases of prostate cancer were reported in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Biden and Obama
President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama, followed by first lady Jill Biden and former first lady Michelle Obama, arrive in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022,... More AP Photo/Andrew Harnik
What To Know
Among a flurry of well wishers, writing on X, Biden's predecessor Obama, who worked with Biden for eight years when Biden was his vice president said: "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."
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Meanwhile, other world leaders and political figures from across the political spectrum wished Biden well.
On his social media platform Truth Social, Donald Trump wrote: "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."
Former Vice President Kamala Harris wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday: "Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time. 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. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery."
Former President Bill Clinton wrote on X: "My friend Joe Biden's always been a fighter. Hillary and I are rooting for him and are keeping him, Jill, and the entire family in our thoughts."
Former State Secretary Hillary Clinton posted: "I'm thinking of the Bidens as they take on cancer, a disease they've done so much to try to spare other families from. Wishing you a speedy, full recovery."
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote on X that she is praying for Biden and sends "love to him and his family."
Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, wrote: "Our hearts are with President Biden and his entire family right now. A man of dignity, strength, and compassion like his deserves to live a long and beautiful life. Sending strength, healing and prayers his way."
What Happens Next
Biden's office said that he would be receiving treatment following the diagnosis.
Treatment for metastatic prostate cancer typically involves hormone therapy to suppress testosterone, which feeds the cancer's growth. Other options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and newer targeted treatments.
Meanwhile, Biden previously had several non-melanoma skin cancers surgically removed, and he had a cancerous lesion removed from his chest in February 2023.
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