Breaking News from Washington
Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, his office announced Sunday. The 82-year-old was seen by doctors last week after having trouble urinating. Tests found a nodule on his prostate, leading to Friday’s cancer diagnosis.
The cancer is aggressive, with a Gleason score of 9 out of 10. But doctors say it appears to be the kind that responds to hormone treatment. Biden and his family are now looking at treatment options.
What This Means
Prostate cancer is very common in older men. About one in eight men will get it at some point. For most men, it’s not what kills them. But Biden’s cancer is more serious because it has spread to his bones.
“This type of cancer is not rare,” said Dr. Alan Tan from Vanderbilt Medical Center. He called this “bread-and-butter” for doctors who treat these cancers.
Many men with Biden’s condition can live for years with proper treatment. If the former president responds well, he could go into remission within six months, though no one knows how long that might last.
A Moment of Unity
In our divided nation, Biden’s diagnosis has brought a brief pause to political fighting. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social:
“We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Many Republicans in Congress who once questioned Biden’s health on the campaign trail are now offering prayers and support.
Donald J. Trump Truth Social 05.18.25 05:32 PM EST pic.twitter.com/BApgOnCZrY
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) May 18, 2025
“I’m sorry to see this news. Cancer is truly awful. My Dad passed away in 2021 with cancer,” said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, urging people to pray for Biden and his family.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said:
“This is certainly sad news, and the Johnson family will be joining the countless others who are praying for the former President.”
Why This Matters to Conservatives
First, it reminds us that health challenges touch all Americans regardless of party. Cancer doesn’t care if you’re a Democrat or Republican. It affects families across all political lines.
It’s now widely accepted that Biden’s health issues during his presidency affected his ability to lead. These questions grew louder after his poor debate performance in June, which led to him dropping out of the 2024 race.
A recent book claimed Biden was showing signs of mental decline that staffers tried to hide from the public. Just last week on “The View,” Biden and his wife Jill pushed back on these claims.
“The people who wrote those books weren’t in the White House with us,” Jill Biden said on the show.
Looking Ahead
As Biden begins treatment, here’s what conservatives can do:
- Pray for the former president if that aligns with your faith practice.
- Use this moment to check on your own health. If you’re a man over 50, talk to your doctor about prostate cancer screening.
- Support cancer research through private charities that align with your values.
- Remember that even as we disagree on politics, we can still wish for the good health of our political opponents.
Cancer touches so many American families. It’s a reminder that beneath our political differences, we share a common humanity.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
