Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with cancer.
The 82-year-old’s office released a statement on May 18, 2025 confirming the diagnosis: prostate cancer that has metastasized to Joe’s bones and is “characterised by a Gleason score of nine”.
The Gleason score is a grading system for prostate cancer, with scores ranging from six (low-grade cancer) to 10 (high-grade cancer).
Obviously a nine is quite high, which the statement acknowledged.
“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management. The president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians,” it read.
Many have already sent their well wishes to Joe, who served as the 46th President of the United States from 2021 to 2025.
For instance, current US President Donald Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social, “We wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Former Vice-President Kamala Harris, who served under Joe, wrote on X, “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.”
And former US President Barack Obama, whom Joe served under as Vice-President, wrote on X, “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.”
In honour of Joe Biden, we’re looking back at his life and career, from young, budding senator to now.
Who is Joe Biden married to?
Joe is married to Dr Jill Biden (née Jacobs).
They first met in 1975 on a blind date, and two years later, on June 17, 1977, they tied the knot at the United Nations’ Chapel in New York City.
Jill is now retired but she worked primarily as an educator.
In fact, she made history in 2021 while working as an English professor at Northern Virginia Community College.
How? Well, Jill was the first presidential spouse to maintain a full-time teaching career while in the White House.
Joe and Jill share one child together: Ashley Blazer Biden, who was born on June 8, 1981.
What happened to Joe Biden’s first wife?
Joe married Neilia Hunter Biden on August 27, 1966.
They welcomed three children together: Joseph ‘Beau’ Robinette Biden III, who was born on February 3, 1969, Robert ‘Hunter’ Biden, who was born on February 4, 1970, and Naomi ‘Amy’ Christina Biden, who was born on November 8, 1971.
Sadly, in December 1972, Neilia and Amy were killed in a car accident in Delaware.
They were Christmas shopping when a tractor-trailer struck their vehicle.
Beau and Hunter were also in the car; they sustained injuries but survived.
However, in May 2015, Beau tragically passed away after a long battle with brain cancer.
What religion does Joe Biden belong to?
Joe is a Roman Catholic, making him the second Catholic US president after John F. Kennedy.
He regularly attends Mass and often references his faith in speeches.
Was Joe Biden ever in the military?
No, Joe did not serve in the military.
During the Vietnam War era, he received five student draft deferments and was later classified as ‘unfit for service’ due to asthma.
However, his late son, Beau, served as a major in the Delaware Army National Guard and was deployed to Iraq.
What has Joe Biden done career-wise?
Joe earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the University of Delaware in 1965, and a law degree from Syracuse University in 1968.
In 1969, he was admitted to the Delaware bar and worked as a lawyer.
However, Joe’s law career was short-lived.
Joe ran (and won) the New Castle County Council’s fourth district seat in 1970, taking office in early 1971.
A year later, in 1972, Joe was elected US Senator from Delaware.
He then served as a senator for 36 years.
During this time, Joe ran for president twice, in 1988 and 2008. He was unsuccessful both times.
However, after his failed campaign in 2008, Joe was chosen as Barack Obama’s running mate – and the rest, as they say, is history.
From 2009 to 2017, Joe served as the 47th Vice-President of the United States, under Barack.
And in 2021, Joe became the 46th President of the United States.
Joe initially ran for re-election in the 2024 presidential race but withdrew after a poor debate performance sparked criticism and concerns about his age and overall fitness to serve.
He then endorsed Vice-President Kamala Harris as his successor, but she ultimately lost the general election to Donald Trump.
