The Prevent Cancer Foundation extends support to former President Joe Biden following his prostate cancer diagnosis

The office of former President Joe Biden announced Sunday he has been diagnosed with an “aggressive form” of prostate cancer, which has spread to his bones.

Prostate cancer is increasingly common—in fact, a recent study predicted prostate cancer cases will double by 2040. Most prostate cancers are diagnosed in those who are older than 65—President Biden is 82—and there are usually no symptoms of prostate cancer in the early stages. (Some people experience symptoms that can include urinary problems or pain.)

“While [President Biden’s diagnosis] represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,” the statement from his office said.

A personal mission

Cancer has long been personal for President Biden, whose son, Beau, died of brain cancer in 2015 at age 46. But President Biden’s vision for ending cancer also extended far beyond his personal loss.

“One of the questions I’m always asked is: ‘If you could do anything at all, what would you do?’ I’d cure cancer,” Biden has said. “It’s not just personal—it’s about what’s possible.”

As Vice President during the Obama administration, Biden launched the Cancer Moonshot, which he reignited in 2022 during his presidency, along with his wife, Dr. Jill Biden. The Cancer Moonshot had ambitious goals to reduce the death rate from cancer by at least 50% over the next 25 years, improve the experience of people and their families living with and surviving cancer, and ultimately “end cancer as we know it.”

Our valued partnership

In 2024, the Prevent Cancer Foundation^® led 84 organizations in working with the Biden administration to recognize April 2024 as the inaugural National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month. The White House issued a presidential proclamation to call attention to the importance of prevention and early detection in staying ahead of cancer. Together, the Foundation, our partners and the Biden administration worked to raise awareness about healthy behaviors and routine cancer screenings, inspire action, mobilize resources and highlight progress in cancer research.

“With his work on the Cancer Moonshot, President Biden has been a leader and an inspiration in our collective fight against cancer,” said Jody Hoyos, CEO of the Prevent Cancer Foundation. “Unfortunately, as he and his family know all too well, no one is immune to this disease. We at the Prevent Cancer Foundation wish the former president all the best in his treatment and recovery. We’ll continue our important work toward our shared goals until we live in a world where cancer is preventable, detectable and beatable for all.”

Prostate cancer screening and risk reduction

Those with a prostate gland and who are at average risk should start talking to a health care provider at age 50 about the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening. That talk may need to happen earlier for people with certain risk factors, such as having a close relative who had prostate cancer, or for Black people. The incidence of prostate cancer is more than 70% higher in Black men than in white men for reasons that remain unclear.

Early detection of prostate cancer followed by prompt treatment saves lives; however, some people are treated for prostate cancers that will never cause them harm, and they must live with any side effects or complications of the treatment. Talk to your health care provider about the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening for you.

To reduce your risk of prostate cancer, do not smoke or use tobacco in any way, maintain a healthy weight, and know your family health history.

For the full list of symptoms, risk factors and recommendations, visit preventcancer.org/prostate.