Joe Biden issues emotional statement after being diagnosed with 'aggressive' cancer
Joe Biden has issued an emotional statement after it was announced he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
His office confirmed yesterday that the 82-year-old had an 'aggressive form of cancer'.
He has now spoken out in his own words, saying in a message on X: "Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places."
Biden added: Thank you for lifting us up with love and support."
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His tweet was accompanied by a smiling selfie alongside wife Jill.
Biden's office said that the former US president - who left the White House in January to make way for Donald Trump - underwent tests after experiencing symptoms.
"Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms," a statement explained.
"On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterised by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.
"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."
According to Cancer Research UK, a Gleason score of nine means that the cancerous cells 'look very abnormal'.
It also means the disease is 'likely to grow quickly'.
Responding to the news, 78-year-old Trump - whose two non-consecutive terms as 45th and 47th president sandwiched Biden's presidency - took to Truth Social to share a statement of his own.
"Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis," he said. "We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery."
Trump's eldest child, Donald Trump Jr, however, clearly opted for a totally different reaction to the news online.
He's since been slammed as 'disgraceful' over his response.
While he initially took to X to 'agree 100%' with a post that wished Biden a 'speedy recovery' and a call to put 'politics aside', Trump Jr then shared a post from a doctor speculating about Biden's diagnosis.
He captioned the screenshot: "What I want to know is how did Dr. Jill Biden miss stage five metastatic cancer or is this yet another coverup???"
Biden's wife, Dr Jill Biden, holds a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.), not a medical degree with her title 'Dr.' reflecting her academic achievement rather than any medical qualification.
One X user responded: "You're a disgrace," while a second called the post 'tasteless'.
Tyla has previously reached out to Joe Biden's office for comment.
Jess Hardiman