Ex-US president Biden diagnosed with cancer

KABUL (Pajhwok): Former US president Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, which has spread to his bones, a media report said on Monday.

Biden, who left office in January, was diagnosed on Friday after he saw a doctor last week for urinary symptoms, the BBC reported.

The cancer is a more aggressive form of the disease, characterised by a Gleason score of 9 out of 10. This means his illness is classified as “high-grade” and the cancer cells could spread quickly, according to Cancer Research UK.

Biden and his family are said to be reviewing treatment options. His office said the cancer was hormone-sensitive, meaning it could likely be managed.

In Sunday’s statement, the ex-president’s office said: “Last week, Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms.

“On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterised by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.

“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management.”

President Donald Trump, meanwhile, wrote on Truth Social he and First Lady Melania Trump were “saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis”.

“We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family,” he said, referring to former First Lady Jill Biden. “We wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”

Former vice-president Kamala Harris, who served under Biden, wrote on X that she and her husband Doug Emhoff were keeping the Biden family in their prayers.

“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,” Harris said.

In a post on X, Barack Obama – who served as president from 2009 to 2017 with Biden as his deputy – said that he and his wife Michelle were “thinking of the entire Biden family”.

sa/mud