Kamala Harris Sends Strong Message to Joe Biden After 'Aggressive' Cancer Diagnosis

Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an "aggressive form" of prostate cancer, according to a statement sent out May 18 from Biden's personal office. In the statement, it indicates that the cancer as spread to his bones.

“Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone," the statement to the press indicated.

Following the news, former Vice President Kamala Harris sent out a strong message to Biden.

"Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis," she said in a post on X. "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."

"Gleason scores are a grading system for prostate cancer," notes the Cleveland Clinic. "Medical pathologists set Gleason scores after studying tissue samples under a microscope. Gleason scores range from 6 (low-grade cancer) to 10 (high-grade cancer). Low grade prostate cancer grows more slowly than high-grade cancer and is less likely to spread (metastasize)."

The American Cancer Institute adds, "Cancers with Gleason scores of 8 to 10 may be called poorly differentiated or high-grade."

Biden's statement added some positive news for the former president, stating, "While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management."

The statement also added that Biden and his family "are reviewing treatment options with his physicians."

"Prostate cancer is a growth of cells that starts in the prostate," according to the Mayo Clinic. "The prostate is a small gland that helps make semen. It's found just below the bladder. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer."

The Mayo Clinic adds, "If the cancer grows beyond the prostate or if it spreads, there are still many treatment options. Prostate cancer that spreads can be more difficult to cure. But even when a cure isn't possible, treatments can slow the growth of the cancer and help you live longer."

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