Former U.S. President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer that has metastasised to the bone. The cancer, detected following further evaluation of a prostate nodule, has been classified as aggressive, with a Gleason score of 9. However, doctors say the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which opens options for effective treatment.
Biden and his family are currently reviewing treatment plans. Messages of support poured in from both sides of the political aisle, with former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris offering public well wishes.
“Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership,” Harris wrote in a post on X.
While Biden’s diagnosis has captured global headlines, it underscores a growing and often under-discussed health issue closer to home. In Malaysia, prostate cancer is the third most common cancer among men, after colorectal and lung cancer, according to the latest data from the Malaysian National Cancer Registry (MNCR).
The incidence of prostate cancer in Malaysia has been rising steadily over the past two decades. Men over the age of 50, particularly those with a family history of the disease, are most at risk. However, awareness remains low, and many cases are diagnosed at a late stage.
Across Southeast Asia, prostate cancer is also becoming more prevalent as life expectancy increases and populations age. A study by the Asian Pacific Prostate Society noted that countries like Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines are also reporting higher incidence rates, mirroring trends in developed nations.
However, disparities in access to screening and treatment remain significant. While advanced therapies are available in Malaysia’s urban centres and private hospitals, public sector capacity and awareness campaigns remain limited.
Joe Biden’s diagnosis may serve as a wake-up call to encourage men globally — and particularly in Asia — to prioritise routine health checks. The disease is often treatable when detected early, especially through PSA (prostate-specific antigen) screening and digital rectal exams (DRE), which can detect abnormalities before symptoms appear.
As a long-time advocate for cancer research, Biden launched the Cancer Moonshot initiative during his vice presidency, aiming to accelerate cancer research and improve outcomes. After his son Beau died of brain cancer in 2015, he reignited the project during his presidency, with a goal of halving the U.S. cancer death rate over 25 years.
While Biden’s condition is serious, his case highlights the power of early detection, targeted therapies, and public awareness. For Malaysia and the broader region, it is a timely reminder to invest in men’s health literacy and ensure equal access to life-saving screening and care.
