Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, his office confirmed in a statement Sunday afternoon. The diagnosis follows the discovery of a nodule during a recent medical examination prompted by worsening urinary symptoms.

“On Friday, President Joe Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone,” the statement said. “While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management.”

Biden, 82, is currently evaluating treatment options with his family and physicians. Experts note that while the cancer is not curable due to its spread to the bones, it remains treatable with appropriate medical care.

Earlier last week, Biden’s office acknowledged that a nodule had been found during a routine physical and required further evaluation. This is not his first encounter with cancer: in 2023, he had a basal cell carcinoma removed from his chest, and prior to his presidency, he underwent surgery to remove multiple non-melanoma skin cancers.

A statement from the American Cancer Society praised Biden’s longstanding advocacy in the fight against cancer, noting his leadership through the Cancer Moonshot initiative, which he launched as vice president and later reignited during his presidency.

Medical experts have weighed in on the prognosis. Dr. Chris George of Northwestern Medicine explained that while stage 4 prostate cancer is incurable once it spreads to the bones, it is often manageable with hormone therapy. “He’s going to face some choices,” Dr. George said. “Hormonal therapy can be effective at controlling the disease and maintaining quality of life. Chemotherapy is less likely given his age.”

ABC7 Chicago anchor Hosea Sanders, who has battled prostate cancer since 2017, described the toll such a diagnosis can take. “You rarely die from it anymore—you may die with it. And that’s the hard part,” he said.

Messages of support poured in following the announcement. Vice President Kamala Harris offered words of encouragement, writing: “Joe is a fighter. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”

President Donald Trump also expressed his support: “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”

The diagnosis comes months after Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race, citing a need to pass the torch to a new generation of Democratic leadership. Public speculation about his health has persisted, though Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden have rejected claims of cognitive decline, calling them unfounded.

As Biden considers treatment options, his health will remain closely watched — not only as a personal matter but as one with symbolic weight for a nation that followed his decades-long political journey and his leadership in the battle against cancer.