Jess Hardiman
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.