Donald Trump has gone viral for misstating Joe Biden’s medical condition, claiming the former president had “stage 9 cancer”, a classification that does not exist in oncology. The remark, made in a widely shared video, confused cancer staging with Biden’s Gleason score, a grading system used specifically for prostate cancer. The error has prompted renewed public interest in Biden’s actual diagnosis and what it means medically.
What Joe Biden is actually diagnosed with
Biden was diagnosed with high-grade prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9, which indicates one of the most aggressive forms of the disease. His doctors also confirmed bone metastasis, meaning the cancer had already spread beyond the prostate. He began hormone therapy and targeted treatments designed to slow tumour growth. Although metastatic prostate cancer is not considered curable, many patients continue treatment for years due to modern medical advances.
What a Gleason score of 9 means
The Gleason grading system ranges from 6 to 10, with higher numbers indicating faster-growing and more aggressive tumours. A Gleason score of 9 suggests:
- Rapid and uncontrolled cell growth
- Higher likelihood of spreading
- A need for immediate and multi-layered treatment
Doctors rely on the Gleason score because it offers a clearer picture of tumour aggressiveness. This is why Biden’s medical updates refer to Gleason 9 rather than a stage number.
How Biden’s cancer is treated
Aggressive prostate cancer with metastasis is typically treated using:
- Hormone therapy to reduce testosterone that fuels tumour growth
- Targeted radiation for areas where cancer has spread to bone
- Bone-strengthening medication to reduce pain and prevent fractures
- Advanced hormonal drugs or chemotherapy if the cancer becomes resistant
Experts note that while metastatic prostate cancer cannot be cured, it can often be managed long-term with consistent treatment.
Why ‘stage 9 cancer’ makes no sense medically
Cancer staging systems range from Stage I to Stage IV. There is no such thing as Stage 9 in any medical classification. Trump’s remark appears to confuse staging with the Gleason score, which measures tumour aggressiveness rather than cancer spread. The mix-up quickly gained attention online, with many users mocking the mistake and others raising concerns about misinformation regarding health conditions.
How prostate cancer develops and who is most at risk
Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate gland multiply uncontrollably due to genetic mutations that disrupt normal cell function. While many tumours grow slowly, aggressive cancers such as Gleason 9 progress quickly and can spread to bones or lymph nodes. Risk increases due to factors including DNA mutations, hormonal imbalances and the natural decline in immune defences with age.Age is the strongest risk factor. Prostate cancer is rare before 50 but becomes significantly more common after 65, placing someone Biden’s age in a high-risk category. Family history, BRCA gene variants and race also influence risk, with Black men experiencing higher rates of aggressive disease. Lifestyle factors such as diet, obesity and chronic inflammation may contribute as well.
Symptoms of prostate cancer and how it progresses
Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms, which is why routine PSA screening is important. As the disease advances, symptoms may include difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, frequent nighttime urination, burning sensations or blood in urine or semen. If the cancer spreads to bones, symptoms can include persistent bone pain, fractures, fatigue, weight loss and reduced mobility. These signs typically indicate more advanced disease and the need for immediate treatment.Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment and before changing your diet or supplement regimen.
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