Former U.S. President Joe Biden has broken his silence regarding the aggressive cancer he is facing, delivering a message of positivity and resilience in the face of adversity.
"Cancer affects us all. Like many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are stronger in difficult times. Thank you for encouraging us with love and support", can be read in a message on their official X account.
The social media post was accompanied by a family photo: Biden smiling next to his wife Jill, who looked more serious, and "Willow," their cat.
International press has pointed out that the message is framed within a life philosophy that the former president has repeated on several occasions: the idea that it is in the “broken places” (broken places) where people become stronger.
The phrase, inspired by the famous novel A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway, has been a constant during the most difficult moments of Biden's life.
“The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places” (El mundo nos destroza a todos y después muchos se fortalecen en los lugares destrozados), said Hemingway; and for Biden, it's not just a literary quote, but a way to make sense of the pain that has marked many moments of his life.
He used it in 2016, at the beginning of his speech at the Democratic National Convention; again in 2021, to commemorate the first anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic; and during the tribute for the tenth anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
At this moment, the former president returns to the phrase as a personal declaration of strength and resilience in the face of the cancer he has been diagnosed with.
A serious diagnosis
Last Friday, according to his personal office, the former president was diagnosed with prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9, the highest on the aggressiveness scale, and already with bone metastasis.
The finding occurred during a routine physical examination in which a nodule in the prostate was detected, necessitating further evaluation.
Although it is an invasive method, the official statement noted that “cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, allowing for an effective treatment.”
At this moment, Biden and his medical team are evaluating the available therapeutic options.
The diagnosis poses a considerable challenge for someone who is 82 years old, and experts agree that a cure is unlikely.
According to Dr. Michael Tyler, an oncologist at Broward Health Medical Center, “the cancer has already spread beyond the prostate, placing it in a different category.”
Nevertheless, there are hormonal treatments and agents to suppress the progression of the disease.
"In general, when cancer spreads beyond the prostate, we have limited solutions when it comes to a cure", Tyler explained in statements to Local 10.
Reactions from all fronts
The announcement generated a wave of messages of support from both the political and personal spheres.
Barack Obama expressed that “no one has done more to find innovative treatments for cancer than Joe” and expressed confidence that “he will face this challenge with determination and grace.”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff expressed that they are "saddened by the diagnosis" and are praying for Biden and his family.
Even Donald Trump, his political rival and current president, joined in the well wishes, stating on his platform Truth Social that, along with his wife Melania, he wishes Biden a “swift and successful recovery.”
The hard wing of Trumpism launches attacks
However, not all the comments were supportive. Figures close to Trump took advantage of the news to sow doubts and politically attack the former president.
Donald Trump Jr., son of the current president, suggested that Biden might have concealed his illness during his term: “Are we witnessing another cover-up?” he wrote, directly targeting Jill Biden, who holds a Doctorate in Education.
The vice president JD Vance also joined in the criticism, stating that “we really need to be honest about whether the former president was capable of fulfilling the role,” and suggested that “those around him” concealed information from the public.
The far-right activist Laura Loomer went further and claimed that Biden has suffered from cancer "throughout his presidency," in an unfounded statement that fuels already debunked conspiracy theories.
A medical history under constant scrutiny
During his term (2021-2025), Joe Biden was subjected to constant mockery and questioning regarding his health status.
In 2023, he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous lesion from his chest, and in 2024 he was declared fit to continue in his position.
However, that same year he announced that he would not seek re-election, paving the way for Kamala Harris's candidacy, who was ultimately defeated by Trump.
Biden left the White House in January 2025 as the oldest president to hold the office.
Despite the attacks and doubts, his legacy includes the Cancer Moonshot initiative, aimed at reducing cancer deaths by 50% over the next 25 years, a crusade he embraced after the death of his son Beau Biden from brain cancer in 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joe Biden's Cancer Diagnosis and Its Political Impact
What type of cancer does Joe Biden have?
Joe Biden has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer, with a Gleason score of 9, the highest on the aggression scale, and which has metastasized to the bones. This diagnosis was made following a routine physical exam that detected a nodule in the prostate.
How has the political community reacted to Biden's diagnosis?
The political community has shown strong support for Biden following the announcement of his illness. Figures such as Barack Obama and Kamala Harris have expressed their confidence in Biden's strength to face this challenge. Even Donald Trump, his political rival, has wished for a swift recovery for the former president.
What treatment options does Joe Biden have for his cancer?
Biden's cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, allowing for effective treatment. Although the cancer has spread beyond the prostate, there are hormonal therapies and agents to suppress the progression of the disease. Biden and his medical team are assessing the available therapeutic options.
Has Joe Biden had any previous health issues during his presidency?
Yes, during his presidency, Joe Biden faced questions about his health. In 2023, he had a cancerous lesion removed from his chest, and he was deemed fit to continue in office. In addition, he has dealt with other age-related health issues such as sleep apnea and peripheral neuropathy.
How has the cancer diagnosis impacted Joe Biden's personal life?
Joe Biden has addressed his diagnosis with a message of strength and resilience. He has emphasized that cancer affects everyone and has expressed gratitude for the support received. This approach aligns with his life philosophy that it is in the "broken places" where people find strength, an idea he has mentioned during challenging times in his life.
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