When an important public figure like former President Joe Biden shares a serious health update—this time, a diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer—it resonates deeply with families, survivors, and caregivers across Queens, New York City, and beyond. His journey highlights the urgency of cancer awareness, early screening, and ongoing support—especially in neighborhoods served by cancer non-profits like SHAREing & CAREing.
Understanding Joe Biden’s Aggressive Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: What is a Gleason score?
In May 2025, former President Joe Biden, age 82, was diagnosed with an aggressive and metastatic form of prostate cancer. His Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) indicates a fast-growing cancer that has already spread to his bones.
A Gleason score is a grading system used to evaluate the aggressiveness of prostate cancer based on how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope. The score ranges from 6 to 10, with higher numbers indicating more aggressive cancer that’s more likely to grow and spread. For example, a score of 9 or 10 means the cancer is very aggressive and requires prompt treatment.
Fortunately, the cancer is hormone-sensitive and treatable with hormone therapies such as androgen deprivation therapy, offering a hopeful prognosis despite the seriousness of the diagnosis.
Prostate cancer is extremely common—affecting 1 in 8 men during their lifetime—and it remains the second leading cause of cancer death among American men. But with early detection and treatment, most cases are manageable and even curable. For Biden, early detection is not the case, and more aggressive treatment is necessary.
The Importance of Early Detection: Prostate Cancer Screening in NYC
In New York, prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men, aside from skin cancer. Each year, around 15,500 men receive a prostate cancer diagnosis, and approximately 1,700 lose their lives to the disease. Nationally, New York ranks 9th in prostate cancer incidence and 51st in mortality. That’s why local cancer non-profits like SHAREing & CAREing are essential in bridging this gap.
Why Early Detection Matters
When prostate cancer is caught before it spreads, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100%. However, once it reaches distant parts of the body, that rate plummets to around 32%. Due to Biden’s aggressive form of diagnosed cancer and Gleason score of 9, he falls within that 32% category.
What You Can Do
- Talk to your doctor about your risk factors—especially if you’re over 50, African American, or have a family history of cancer.
- Get a PSA test, a simple blood test that can help detect prostate cancer early.
- Schedule a screening through local programs or ask SHAREing & CAREing about support services.
- Sign up for screening reminders with SHAREing & CAREing
- Review our guide to cancer screenings to learn what screenings are recommended by age and gender.
Cancer in the NYC Community: Knowledge Is Power
President Biden’s diagnosis has put prostate cancer back in the public conversation—and it’s a powerful reminder that cancer doesn’t care about status, age, or title. Here in Queens, we know that health equity matters. Access to information, preventative care, and emotional support can make the difference between life and death.
At SHAREing & CAREing, we offer a range of support services tailored to the diverse NYC community, including patient navigation and referrals, individual counseling, support groups for survivors and caregivers.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Starts With You
If you’re reading this and haven’t been screened—or if your partner, parent, or friend hasn’t—now is the time to act. Don’t wait for symptoms. Most early-stage prostate cancers don’t cause noticeable signs.
This is your moment. Schedule a screening, encourage a loved one to get checked, or reach out to us for support.
Let’s use this national news as a catalyst to protect our health, empower our communities, and make informed choices about cancer care. Because in Queens and all of New York City, no one should face cancer alone.
Sources
- “Biden has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer”, AP News, May 18, 2025
- “How treatable is prostate cancer? A doctor reacts to Biden’s diagnosis”, NPR, May 19, 2025
- “Prostate Cancer”, CDC, N/A
- “Cancer Stat Facts: Prostate Cancer”, SEER, National Cancer Institute, N/A
- “Prostate Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version”, National Cancer Institute, December 20, 2024
- “New York 2024 – Prostate Cancer Facts & Statistics”, Zero Prostate Cancer, April 29, 2024
