Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with malignant prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones. This is one of the most common cancers affecting men worldwide.

According to information from his office, last week Mr. Biden underwent testing after experiencing progressively worsening urinary symptoms, which led to the discovery of a new prostate tumor.

On May 16, he was officially diagnosed with prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. 

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the prostate gland of men. The prostate exists only in males, located just below the bladder and surrounding the urethra. Glands within the prostate produce a whitish fluid that, during sexual activity, is expelled into the urethra to become part of the semen.

Prostate cancer most often affects older men. It typically grows slowly but continuously, with varying degrees of aggressiveness, so it can occur over a wide age range. According to the Times of India, early symptoms of prostate cancer are often overlooked or mistaken for other conditions, leading to late diagnosis.

Because the prostate sits adjacent to the bladder and urethra, patients frequently experience urinary symptoms early on, depending on the tumor’s size and location.

Common symptoms of prostate cancer
(Based on guidance from physicians at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital)

• Early stage
  In its initial phase, prostate cancer may cause no obvious signs or may mimic benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement). Typical early urinary symptoms include:

  • Irritative symptoms: frequent urination, sudden urge to urinate, dribbling.

  • Obstructive symptoms: difficulty initiating urination, straining, a sense of incomplete bladder emptying, post-void dribbling.

  • In more severe cases: partial or complete urinary retention, urinary tract infections, or blood in the urine.

• Late stage (when metastasis occurs)
  As the cancer spreads beyond the prostate, additional symptoms may develop:

  • Bladder-neck and ureteral invasion: causing worsening urinary disturbance.

  • Bone metastases: bone pain; spinal metastases can compress the spinal cord, leading to limb paralysis or loss of sphincter control.

  • Pelvic lymph node metastases: causing leg swelling (lymphedema).

  • Seminal vesicle invasion: may result in blood in the ejaculate.

Because early prostate cancer can be silent or easily misattributed to benign conditions, men—especially over age 50 or those with risk factors—should discuss prostate screening (PSA testing and/or digital rectal exam) with their healthcare provider to allow for timely detection and treatment.