‘Cancer touches us all’: Biden breaks silence after diagnosis, thanks supporters for 'love'

Washington: Joe Biden on Monday expressed his gratitude to Americans for their "love and support" after the former US president said he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

"Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places," the 82-year-old Biden posted on X, with a photograph of him and his wife Jill Biden. "Thank you for lifting us up with love and support." 

Biden's office stated on Sunday that the former President was last week seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms.

"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 statement went on to say.

"The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians," it added.

Biden was the oldest US President when he left office earlier this year, making way for President Donald Trump to return to the White House for a second term, defeating Vice-President Kamala Harris.

US President Donald Trump also commented on the diagnosis via his Truth Social platform: "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."