Former President of the United States Joe Biden has been diagnosed with what has been called an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer. 

The reports surfaced on May 18, and it has a Gleason score of 9, which means it is likely to spread.

It is a sad diagnosis for Biden, who dealt with some health issues during his time in the Oval Office.

Here is the statement from Biden’s office: “Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms…While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management.”

Biden posted a photo on his X account on Monday after the diagnosis was revealed:

“Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us with love and support.”

And, prayers and thoughts have been pouring out, including a strong message from South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley, who shared support via a post on X.

South Carolina Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley.

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

“Sending love and prayers to @JoeBiden @DrBiden and the entire Biden family. We hope the work you have done in the cancer space will be returned in the form of complete remission. Amen!”

Biden has been active in the cancer space for some time. In 2016, President Obama tasked Biden with a government-wide research program titled “Cancer Moonshot”, and Staley’s response is just one of many who are hoping the former President can work through this.