Former President Joe Biden’s recent prostate cancer diagnosis has sparked a lot of discussion, especially around the term "Stage 9 cancer." But here's the thing: there’s no such thing as Stage 9 cancer in the standard medical classification system. The confusion likely came from a mix-up involving the Gleason score, which is used specifically for prostate cancer grading, not staging. In this article, we’ll break down what Biden’s diagnosis really means, address the misinformation surrounding the "Stage 9" label, and offer insight into the treatment and prognosis for aggressive prostate cancer.

Biden, who was 82 years old at the time of diagnosis, was found to have a Gleason score of 9, Grade Group 5, which is the most aggressive form of prostate cancer. This diagnosis was announced in May 2025, shortly after his presidency ended. While some political figures, including former President Donald Trump, made comments suggesting Biden had "Stage 9 cancer," that term doesn’t exist in oncology. Still, the situation raised concerns and questions among many Americans, particularly older men, who are at higher risk for this type of disease.

So why does this matter to the general public? Well, it’s not just about a former president—it’s about how we understand prostate cancer, how we interpret medical terms like Gleason scores, and how misinformation spreads, especially when it comes from high-profile individuals. By exploring the real details behind Biden’s condition, we can better grasp the seriousness of high-grade prostate cancer and the options available for treatment today.

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Table of Contents

1. Joe Biden Biography
2. What Is "Stage 9 Cancer"? Explained
3. What Does a Gleason Score of 9 Mean?
4. Understanding Stage 4 Prostate Cancer
5. Treatment Options for Advanced Prostate Cancer
6. Frequently Asked Questions

Joe Biden: A Quick Biography

Here’s a quick snapshot of Joe Biden’s life and career:

Biden’s long career in public service includes decades in the Senate, eight years as Vice President under President Obama, and a presidential campaign that made him the oldest person to ever hold the office. His health has been a topic of interest for many, especially as he entered his 80s while serving as Commander-in-Chief.

What Is "Stage 9 Cancer"? Explained

You might have heard the phrase “Stage 9 cancer” floating around online, especially after comments made by former President Trump. But here’s the deal—there is no Stage 9 in cancer staging. So where did this number come from? It’s likely a misunderstanding or a misstatement regarding the Gleason score, which is used to grade prostate cancer cells.

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Cancer staging generally goes from Stage 1 to Stage 4, with Stage 4 being the most advanced. The Gleason score, on the other hand, ranges from 6 to 10 and measures how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope. A Gleason score of 9 is one of the highest and indicates a very aggressive form of prostate cancer.

So, when people say “Stage 9,” they might actually be referring to the Gleason score. That confusion has led to a lot of misinformation, especially in political discussions. It’s important to understand the difference between staging and grading in cancer care to avoid spreading incorrect details.

What Does a Gleason Score of 9 Mean?

A Gleason score of 9 is one of the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer. It’s part of Grade Group 5, which is the highest category in the updated prostate cancer grading system. So what does that really mean for someone like Biden?

When a doctor gives a Gleason score of 9, it means the cancer cells look very different from healthy prostate cells. They tend to grow quickly and are more likely to spread beyond the prostate. This is why it’s considered a high-risk diagnosis.

It’s also worth noting that a Gleason score is determined by looking at the two most common patterns of cancer cells in a biopsy. Each pattern is scored between 3 and 5, and the two are added together. For example, a 4 + 5 = 9 score means the second pattern is more aggressive than the first.

This kind of scoring helps doctors figure out the best treatment plan. High Gleason scores often require more aggressive treatments, including a combination of surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, and sometimes chemotherapy.

Understanding Stage 4 Prostate Cancer

Biden was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. Stage 4 is the most advanced stage of prostate cancer and means the disease has moved beyond the prostate gland. So what does this mean for survival rates and quality of life?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Metastasis: Stage 4 means the cancer has metastasized, or spread, to other parts of the body—commonly the bones or lymph nodes.
• Life Expectancy: Survival rates vary, but for men with metastatic prostate cancer, the five-year survival rate is around 30%.
• Treatment Options: While Stage 4 cancer isn't typically curable, treatments can help manage symptoms and extend life.
• Quality of Life: Many men live for years with Stage 4 prostate cancer thanks to modern treatments that slow the progression of the disease.

It’s also important to note that survival rates are just averages and can vary based on a person’s overall health, age, and how well they respond to treatment. For someone like Biden, who is in relatively good health aside from the cancer, treatment can offer meaningful benefits.

Treatment Options for Advanced Prostate Cancer

For someone with aggressive prostate cancer like Biden’s, treatment usually involves a multi-pronged approach. So what are the options? Here’s a look at some of the most common treatments used for high-grade, advanced prostate cancer:

1. Hormone Therapy: Also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), this treatment lowers the body's levels of male hormones, which can slow cancer growth.
2. Radiation Therapy: Used to target cancer cells in the prostate and any areas where it has spread, like the bones.
3. Chemotherapy: Often used when hormone therapy stops working, chemo can help shrink tumors and relieve symptoms.
4. Immunotherapy: In some cases, newer treatments like immunotherapy or targeted therapies may be used, depending on the cancer’s genetic profile.
5. Supportive Care: Pain management, bone-strengthening medications, and other supportive treatments help maintain quality of life.

Doctors also look at a patient’s overall health, age, and personal preferences when deciding on a treatment plan. For older patients like Biden, managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life is often just as important as slowing the cancer itself.

It’s also worth noting that clinical trials and new drug combinations are constantly being developed, offering hope even for advanced cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there such a thing as Stage 9 cancer?

No, there is no Stage 9 cancer. The confusion likely stems from Biden’s Gleason score of 9, which refers to how aggressive the cancer cells appear, not the stage of the disease. Cancer staging is typically from Stage 1 to Stage 4.

2. What is the Gleason score and why is it important?

The Gleason score is a grading system used for prostate cancer that helps determine how aggressive the cancer is. A score of 9 is among the highest and indicates that the cancer cells look very abnormal and are likely to grow and spread quickly.

3. Can someone live with Stage 4 prostate cancer?

Yes, many men live for years with Stage 4 prostate cancer. While it’s considered advanced and not typically curable, treatments like hormone therapy, radiation, and chemotherapy can help control the disease and improve quality of life.

If you're looking for more information about prostate cancer stages and treatment options, Learn more about prostate cancer staging on our site.