Former US President Joe Biden said that “cancer affects all of us” after news broke that he had an aggressive form of prostate cancer. This is the 82-year-old politician’s first comment on the topic.
The New York Times reported that Biden had been diagnosed with cancer, citing the former president’s press secretary. According to the newspaper, the diagnosis was made on May 16, after doctors examined Biden for urinary problems and found a “small nodule” on his prostate that required “further examination.” NBC News writes that the disease discovered in the politician is characterized by bone metastases.
“Cancer touches all of us. Like many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in our darkest moments. Thank you for your love and support,” Biden wrote on his X social media page. The former president accompanied the post with a photo of himself with his wife, Jill, and their cat, Willow.
At the time of leaving the White House, Biden was the oldest US president. Last year, he decided to run for a second presidential term, but then announced his withdrawal from the presidential race, endorsing the candidacy of his vice president, Kamala Harris.
Biden’s decision was preceded by discussions about his health and age, prompted by the Democrat’s disastrous performance in the first debate against Republican Donald Trump, during which he appeared confused and stammered.
In February 2024, Biden’s physician, Kevin O’Connor, following an annual medical examination, declared that he was healthy enough to serve as head of state.
