Trump, Obama react to Biden’s cancer diagnosis

Donald Trump and Barack Obama have sent heartfelt messages after former US president Joe Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.

Former US president Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, his office has announced.

In a statement, a spokesman for the 46th President of the United States said the cancer had spread to his bones.

Doctors reportedly made the diagnosis after finding a “small nodule” on the former president’s prostate during a regular physical exam last month.

Joe Biden with wife Jill at the funeral of Pope Francis last month. Picture: AFP

Former US president Joe Biden has been diagnosed with cancer. Picture: AP

Mr Biden and his wife Jill are understood to be considering the treatment options for the cancer which has a Gleason score of 9, meaning it has already metastasised to the bones.

It’s understood the cancer is hormone sensitive, indicating it may be more responsive to treatment.

Fox News senior medical analyst Dr Marc Siegel told the Fox Report that doctors will likely treat Mr Biden with hormone therapy.

They may also attempt to radiate the lesion found on the bone or remove the prostate altogether.

Joe Biden is understood to be considering the treatment options for the cancer. Picture: AP

“Sometimes they decide to do more than one therapy,” Dr Siegel said. “They might try to take the prostate out, do radiation and the hormone therapy altogether. That’s not uncommon.”

Former US president Barack Obama offered his condolences, saying, “Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family.

“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.”

US President Donald Trump, who regularly criticises his predecessor, offered his sympathy after the announcement.

“Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis,” he said.

“We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”

In March, Mr Trump revoked security clearances for Mr Biden and ceased Secret Service protection for members of his family.

Former US president Joe Biden during the 2024 White House race.

Mr Biden’s former vice president, Kamala Harris, also offered her sympathy, saying Mr Biden was a “fighter”.

“Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis,” she posted on Instagram.

“We are keeping him, Dr Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time. Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”

The 82-year-old former president took time out of the spotlight after stepping down from his second presidential campaign to allow Vice President Kamala Harris to contest the election against Donald Trump.

However in recent weeks he has made a number of public appearances including an interview in which he said it would not have made a difference to the election result if he had dropped out earlier.

In March, he attended the opening night of the Jake Gyllenhaal’s Broadway show Othello in New York and last month he posted photos with his family gathered for Easter.

Former US president Joe Biden and former first lady Jill Biden after Donald Trump’s inauguration. Picture: AFP

News of his diagnosis comes amid a firestorm of allegations that the Biden administration and members of his inner circle knowingly hid his physical and cognitive decline from the American public.

Among the conversations allegedly had behind closed doors by those closest to him were serious discussions of having Mr Biden use a wheelchair during his second term in office if he prevailed in the election, according to a new book Original Sin, penned by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios reporter Alex Thompson.

Mr Biden’s cancer diagnosis came just two days after Axios released bombshell audio from a series of interviews the former president held with special counsel Robert Hur in October 2023, pursuant to an investigation into classified documents he improperly had in his possession.

In the recordings — which the White House vehemently refused to release last year as rumours of his failing mental acuity swirled — Mr Biden at times slurred his speech and couldn’t remember details about his own life including when his term as vice president ended, when his son Beau died, and what year Mr Trump was elected.

with the New York Post