When President Joe Biden revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis in May 2025, it wasn’t just political news. It was a wake-up call for men across the country.
At 82, Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone. This is an aggressive form of the disease that has spread to his bones. His case highlights a reality many men overlook: prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men, and it often goes undetected until it reaches an advanced stage.
If you’re a man over 40, or if you care about someone who is, this news matters. Here’s what Biden’s diagnosis means, what it reflects about broader trends in men’s health, and how a proactive approach to prostate cancer diagnosis in men can save lives.
What Biden’s Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Tells Us About Men’s Health
According to his medical team, President Biden has a Gleason score of 9. This score signals one of the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer. Because the cancer has spread beyond the prostate, it is classified as metastatic.
There is a critical detail that offers some hope: the cancer is hormone-sensitive. This means it responds to treatments that lower or block testosterone, the hormone that helps prostate cancer grow. Although metastatic prostate cancer is not considered curable, it can be treated and often managed for years.
Understanding the Silent Signs of Prostate Cancer in Men
The lack of early symptoms is one of the biggest challenges when it comes to the prostate cancer diagnosis in men. One of the challenges with prostate cancer is that it can develop silently. Many men experience no symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Difficulty starting or stopping urine flow
- A weak urine stream or dribbling
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pain in the lower back, hips, or thighs
These symptoms do not automatically mean cancer, but they are worth discussing with a healthcare provider. And if you feel fine? That’s exactly when screening is most important.
When Should Men Be Screened for Prostate Cancer
The recommendations can be confusing, so here’s a simplified overview:
- Ages 55 to 69: Men in this age group should talk to their doctor about whether to begin PSA screening.
- High-risk individuals: African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer may need to start screening as early as age 40.
- Over age 70: Screening decisions should be based on a man’s overall health and life expectancy.
President Biden’s cancer was found during a routine screening, which underscores how essential regular check-ups can be — especially after age 50.
Common Treatments After a Prostate Cancer Diagnosis in Men
While the White House hasn’t shared every detail, Biden’s treatment plan likely includes a combination of these standard approaches:
Hormone Therapy
This reduces or blocks testosterone, helping slow the growth of cancer cells and manage symptoms.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is often used when the cancer has spread or no longer responds to hormone therapy. It can reduce pain and improve quality of life.
Radiation Therapy
Targeted radiation can be used to shrink tumors and relieve bone pain.
Immunotherapy or Clinical Trials
New therapies, including immunotherapy and experimental treatments offered through clinical trials, may also be options.
What the Diagnosis Means for Biden and for You
Metastatic prostate cancer is serious, but many men live for years with proper treatment and support. The American Cancer Society reports that the five-year survival rate for this stage is about 37 percent. However, real-life outcomes can be better depending on how the disease responds to treatment and the patient’s overall health.
Biden’s doctors have emphasized that his cancer is treatable and that they are using a proactive strategy to manage his care.
Why This Matters for Every Man
Biden’s diagnosis puts a spotlight on a disease that affects hundreds of thousands of men in the U.S. each year. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men after skin cancer. One in eight men will be diagnosed during their lifetime. The risk is even higher for African American men, who are more likely to develop aggressive forms of the disease and more than twice as likely to die from it.
Despite these numbers, many men avoid screenings because of fear, discomfort, or misinformation. That needs to change.
What You Can Do Right Now
A routine screening could lead to an earlier prostate cancer diagnosis in men, which dramatically improves outcomes. Here are a few ways to take action for yourself or the men in your life
- Talk to a doctor about screening options.
- Learn your family history. Genetics matter.
- Don’t ignore unusual symptoms. Even subtle changes in urination or lingering back pain can be important.
- Be proactive. Encourage the men you care about to prioritize their health.
Next Steps
President Biden’s diagnosis is not just a personal health update — it is a powerful reminder of how important early detection and regular screenings really are. Prostate cancer is often treatable when caught early, and newer therapies continue to improve outcomes, even for advanced cases.
If you’re a man over 40, or if you love someone who is, use this moment as motivation. Make the appointment. Ask the questions. Have the conversation.