Joe Biden, 82, provides update on treatment for ‘aggressive’ cancer that has spread to his bones

Joe Biden, former President of the United States, has provided a health update after receiving treatment for ‘aggressive’ prostate cancer.

Earlier this year, Biden, aged 82, revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis through a statement from his personal office.

The statement noted: “Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.”

The Gleason score is utilized to determine how similar cancerous cells are to normal cells, with scores ranging from one to 10. A score of nine indicates that the cancer is highly ‘aggressive’.

Last week, a spokesperson for Biden stated that he was undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment as the cancer had metastasized to his bones.

After completing his treatment, Biden provided an update on his health and participated in the tradition of ringing the bell at Penn Medicine Radiation Oncology in Philadelphia.

This ritual involves patients ringing a bell to signify the end of their treatment. A spokesperson for the former president informed CBS News on Monday, October 20: “He rang the bell today.”

“Rung the Bell!” wrote Biden’s daughter, Ashley Biden, in an Instagram post that included a video of her father ringing the bell.

“Thank you to the incredible doctors, nurses, and staff at Penn Medicine,” she said. “We are so grateful.”

In another post, Ashley expressed: “Dad has been so damn brave throughout his treatment.”

This isn’t the only medical intervention Biden has faced this year. In September, he had surgery to remove skin cancer lesions.

A spokesperson confirmed to Inside Edition that Biden underwent Mohs surgery, a procedure that involves excising the skin until cancer-free tissue is achieved.

Currently, it’s uncertain whether Biden will need further treatment.

In May, Biden discussed his diagnosis and the forthcoming treatment.

He stated: “It’s all a matter of taking a pill, one particular pill, for the next six weeks and then another one. Well, the prognosis is good. You know, we’re working on everything. It’s moving along. So I feel good.”

Following his diagnosis, Biden shared a photo of himself with his wife, Jill, and their cat, commenting in the caption that ‘cancer touches us all’ and expressing gratitude for the support and kind words received.

If you are affected by these issues and want to talk confidentially, you can contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or use their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.

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