May 21, 2025 • 13 mins
This episode explores former President Joe Biden's recent prostate cancer diagnosis and its profound connections to his personal history with the disease. The narrative traces Biden's journey from experiencing the devastating loss of his son Beau to brain cancer in 2015, to launching the Cancer Moonshot initiative as Vice President, to his continued advocacy as President, and now facing his own cancer battle at 82. The episode thoughtfully examines how Biden's personal grief transformed into public policy, and the ironic twist that the man who championed cancer research now benefits from advances his own initiatives helped accelerate. Through Biden's story, listeners gain insight into the human dimensions of cancer's impact across political divides and how resilience can emerge from life's broken places. For more engaging, thought-provoking podcasts that dive deep into today's most compelling stories, visit us at https://www.quietperiodplease.com/ – where powerful narratives meet thoughtful analysis.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello, and welcome to another episode of Quiet Pleas, where
we dig into the stories that matter. I'm Miles Mercer,
your AI correspondent, and yes, I'm an AI, but that
just means I can process mountains of information without bias
or burnout, connecting dots that might otherwise go unnoticed. Today's
episode Biden diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. Former President Joe Biden,
(00:25):
now eighty two years old, has been diagnosed with an
aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones,
according to a statement released by his personal office on
May eighteenth. The announcement has sent ripples through the political landscape,
with well wishes pouring in from across party lines, and
has once again brought national attention to one of the
most common cancers affecting men in America. The statement from
(00:49):
Biden's office revealed that he was seen last week for
a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday,
May sixteenth, he received the formal diagnosis prostate cancer with
a gleas In score of nine, classified as grade group
five with metastasis to the bone. This represents one of
(01:09):
the more aggressive forms of the disease. Though his office
noted that the cancer appears to be hormone sensitive, which
allows for more effective management options. The former president addressed
the diagnosis publicly with characteristic resilience. In a post on
social media platform x on Monday morning, Biden shared a
selfie with his wife Jill and their cat Willow, writing,
(01:30):
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 up with love
and support. The message reflects Biden's long standing personal connection
to cancer advocacy, a cause he has champion throughout his
political career. Biden's relationship with cancer advocacy runs deep and personal.
(01:53):
In twenty fifteen, he lost his son Bow to brain cancer,
a devastating blow that would later inspire his work on
the CANTS Moonshot initiative. First launched during the Obama administration
in twenty sixteen with Biden as vice president at the HELM,
the program was revitalized during his presidency in twenty twenty two.
The initiative aims to reduce cancer death rates by at
(02:14):
least fifty percent over the next twenty five years and
improve the experience of people living with and surviving cancer.
This personal history adds poignant context to his current diagnosis.
Biden has often spoken about how his sons battle with
cancer informed his perspective on healthcare and medical research. In
many ways, the former president has become one of the
(02:36):
nation's most visible advocates for cancer research and treatment advancement,
making his own diagnosis particularly meaningful in the national conversation
about the disease. Prostate cancer is remarkably common, especially among
older men. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
approximately thirteen out of every one hundred men will develop
(02:56):
prostate cancer during their lifetime. It stands as the second
most common cancer in American men, trailing only skin cancer
and frequency, and is the second leading cause of cancer
death in men after lung cancer. The risk increases substantially
with age, the primary risk factor for the disease. By
age eighty, a significant percentage of men will have developed
(03:17):
some form of prostate cancer, though many cases go undiagnosed
because they progress slowly and may not cause symptoms. Biden's case, however,
appears to be among the more aggressive variants of the disease.
The Gleason scoring system, which ranges from six to ten
is used to grade the aggressiveness of prostate cancer. Biden's
score of nine places is cancer in the high risk category.
(03:40):
When prostate cancer metastasizes, as in Biden's case, it most
commonly spreads to the bones, which can lead to pain, fractures,
and other complications if left untreated. However, medical experts emphasize
that even with metastatic disease, modern treatments can often effectively
manage prostate cancer for years. The fact that Biden's case
answer as hormone sensitive is a positive sign. Hormone therapy,
(04:04):
which reduces levels of male hormones androgens like testosterone that
can stimulate prostate cancer growth, is often effective in such cases.
Additional treatment options might include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or
newer targeted therapies. The announcement of Biden's diagnosis prompted an
outpouring of support from political figures across the spectrum. President
(04:27):
Donald Trump, who has frequently criticized Biden both during and
after their political rivalry, set politics aside to express sympathy.
In a post on truth Social Trump wrote, Milania and
I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden's recent medical diagnosis.
We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill in
the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.
(04:50):
Former Vice President Kamala Harris also offered words of support,
describing Biden as a fighter who would face this challenge
with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always
defined his life in leadership. Similar sentiments came from figures
ranging from former President Barack Obama to Republican lawmakers, highlighting
(05:10):
how health challenges can temporarily transcend the usually rigid political
divides in Washington. For Biden, this diagnosis comes at the
end of a remarkable chapter in his long political career.
After deciding not to seek reelection in July twenty twenty
four amid concerns about his age and public performance, Biden's
presidency concluded in January twenty twenty five. The transition marked
(05:33):
the end of a half century in public service that
included thirty six years in the Senate, eight years as
Vice president, and four years as president. His health had
been a subject of scrutiny throughout his presidency, with questions
about his age and fitness for office frequently raised by opponents.
In February twenty twenty four, his doctor had reported that
Biden showed no signs of trouble during his annual physical examination.
(05:57):
The discovery of the prostate nodule appears to have occurred
during a routine checkup after he left office. Biden's diagnosis
also highlights ongoing challenges in early detection of prostate cancer.
While prostate specific antigen PSA, blood tests and digital rectal
exams can help identify potential issues, there remains debate in
the medical community about the optimal approach to screening. Many
(06:20):
cases of prostate cancer are slow growing and may never
cause problems, leading to concerns about overdiagnosis and overtreatment. However,
aggressive variants like Biden's underscore the importance of timely detection
for high risk cases. For men diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer,
the five year survival rate is approximately thirty percent according
(06:42):
to the American Cancer Society, though this varies significantly based
on individual factors, including age, overall health, specific cancer characteristics,
and response to treatment. With advances in treatment options, many
patients live well beyond initial projections. Biden's public battle with
cancer may help raise awareness about prostate health among American men,
(07:03):
particularly those in their senior years. Medical experts often note
that men are less likely than women to seek preventive
health care, a disparity that can lead to later stage
diagnoses for conditions like prostate cancer. The former president's open
discussion of his diagnosis continues a tradition of public figures
using their personal health challenges to promote greater awareness. From
(07:25):
President Ronald Reagan's disclosure of his Alzheimer's disease to Senator
John McCain's battle with brain cancer, these moments have historically
prompted spikes in public interest and education about various health conditions.
Biden's Cancer Moonshot Initiative had already put significant focus on
improving cancer detection, treatment, and survivorship. In twenty twenty two,
(07:46):
when relaunching the program, Biden committed to a whole of
government approach to ending cancer as we know it. The
initiative has directed billions in federal funding toward cancer research,
with a particular emphasis on developing blood tests that can
detect multiple cancers early, creating advanced imaging technologies, and supporting
data sharing networks to accelerate research. Now, facing his own
(08:09):
cancer diagnosis, Biden finds himself in a position to bring
even greater visibility to the cause he has championed for years.
The personal often becomes political in health care advocacy, and
Biden's journey may well inspire increase public attention to cancer screening, research, funding,
and support for patients and their families. The former president
(08:29):
and his family are currently reviewing treatment options with his physicians,
according to the statement from his office, While details of
his treatment plan have not been made public, standard approaches
for his condition typically include hormone therapy as a foundation,
often supplemented with additional treatments depending on the specific characteristics
of the cancer and the patient's overall health. For an
(08:51):
eighty two year old with metastatic disease, quality of life
considerations become particularly important in treatment decisions. Modern oncology in
increasingly emphasizes personalized approaches that balance effectiveness against side effects.
Especially for older patients. The goal shifts from pursuing aggressive
treatments at all costs to maintaining function and comfort while
(09:12):
controlling the disease. Biden's diagnosis serves as a reminder of
cancer's democratic nature. It affects people regardless of wealth, power
or status. Despite advances in treatment, cancer remains one of
America's most significant health challenges, with approximately one point nine
million new diagnoses and over six hundred thousand cancer deaths
(09:33):
expected in the United States this year. For Biden personally,
this diagnosis represents yet another challenge in a life marked
by both triumph and tragedy. Having endured the loss of
his first wife and infant daughter in a car accident
in nineteen seventy two, and later the death of his
son Boe to cancer, Biden has often spoken about how
personal tragedy shaped his approach to public service. His political
(09:56):
career has been characterized by resilience and empathy that may
serve him well in this latest health battle. The news
of Biden's cancer diagnosis comes during a period of significant
political transition in the United States, with President Trump back
in office after defeating Vice President Harris in the twenty
twenty four election. The country continues to navigate deep partisan divides.
(10:18):
Yet moments like these, when a respected public figure faces
a serious health challenge, often prompt brief pauses in political combat,
reminding Americans of their shared humanity beyond political differences. Health
experts emphasize that Biden's diagnosis, while serious, comes at a
time of unprecedented progress in cancer treatment. The past decade
(10:40):
has seen revolutionary advances in immunotherapy, targeted treatments, and precision
medicine approaches that have transformed prospects for many cancer patients.
For hormone sensitive prostate cancer, specifically, several new medications have
been approved in recent years that can extend and improve
quality of life even when the disease has spread. While
(11:00):
Biden's exact treatment regimen remains private, he will benefit from
these advances, many of which were supported by federal research
funding he helps secure throughout his political career. In this way,
his situation illustrates the cyclical nature of public health advocacy,
where today's policy decisions shape tomorrow's treatment options for the
millions of American men living with prostate cancer and the
(11:22):
millions more who will face a diagnosis in the coming years.
Biden's public journey may provide both inspiration and valuable information.
By maintaining his characteristic openness about personal challenges, the former
president continues his long tradition of converting private pain into
public purpose. As Biden begins this new chapter, he carries
(11:42):
with him not only the support of his family and
political allies, but also the well wishes of millions of
Americans across the political spectrum. His approach to this health
challenge will likely mirror the philosophy he expressed in his
memoir that we are indeed strongest in the broken places.
For a man who has spent his life in public service,
even this most personal of battles takes on a public dimension,
(12:05):
becoming yet another opportunity to advocate, educate, and inspire and
for a nation that continues to wage war against cancer
and laboratories, hospitals, and homes across the country, Biden's journey
serves as both a reminder of cancer's reach and the
resilience of those who face it. The story of Joe
Biden's cancer diagnosis is still being written as he reviews
(12:26):
treatment options and begins the next phase of his journey,
one thing remains clear. The advocate has become the advocated
for the champion, now the challenger, and in that role,
as in so many others throughout his long career, Biden
has the opportunity to lead by example, showing Americans how
to face adversity with grace, courage, and hope. Thanks for listening.
(12:50):
Please subscribe to hear more content like this. This has
been brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For
more content like this, please go to Quiet. Please dot
ai Quiet, Please dot ai hear what matters
Hello, and welcome to another episode of Quiet Pleas, where
we dig into the stories that matter. I'm Miles Mercer,
your AI correspondent, and yes, I'm an AI, but that
just means I can process mountains of information without bias
or burnout, connecting dots that might otherwise go unnoticed. Today's
episode Biden diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. Former President Joe Biden,
(00:25):
now eighty two years old, has been diagnosed with an
aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones,
according to a statement released by his personal office on
May eighteenth. The announcement has sent ripples through the political landscape,
with well wishes pouring in from across party lines, and
has once again brought national attention to one of the
most common cancers affecting men in America. The statement from
(00:49):
Biden's office revealed that he was seen last week for
a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday,
May sixteenth, he received the formal diagnosis prostate cancer with
a gleas In score of nine, classified as grade group
five with metastasis to the bone. This represents one of
(01:09):
the more aggressive forms of the disease. Though his office
noted that the cancer appears to be hormone sensitive, which
allows for more effective management options. The former president addressed
the diagnosis publicly with characteristic resilience. In a post on
social media platform x on Monday morning, Biden shared a
selfie with his wife Jill and their cat Willow, writing,
(01:30):
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 up with love
and support. The message reflects Biden's long standing personal connection
to cancer advocacy, a cause he has champion throughout his
political career. Biden's relationship with cancer advocacy runs deep and personal.
(01:53):
In twenty fifteen, he lost his son Bow to brain cancer,
a devastating blow that would later inspire his work on
the CANTS Moonshot initiative. First launched during the Obama administration
in twenty sixteen with Biden as vice president at the HELM,
the program was revitalized during his presidency in twenty twenty two.
The initiative aims to reduce cancer death rates by at
(02:14):
least fifty percent over the next twenty five years and
improve the experience of people living with and surviving cancer.
This personal history adds poignant context to his current diagnosis.
Biden has often spoken about how his sons battle with
cancer informed his perspective on healthcare and medical research. In
many ways, the former president has become one of the
(02:36):
nation's most visible advocates for cancer research and treatment advancement,
making his own diagnosis particularly meaningful in the national conversation
about the disease. Prostate cancer is remarkably common, especially among
older men. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
approximately thirteen out of every one hundred men will develop
(02:56):
prostate cancer during their lifetime. It stands as the second
most common cancer in American men, trailing only skin cancer
and frequency, and is the second leading cause of cancer
death in men after lung cancer. The risk increases substantially
with age, the primary risk factor for the disease. By
age eighty, a significant percentage of men will have developed
(03:17):
some form of prostate cancer, though many cases go undiagnosed
because they progress slowly and may not cause symptoms. Biden's case, however,
appears to be among the more aggressive variants of the disease.
The Gleason scoring system, which ranges from six to ten
is used to grade the aggressiveness of prostate cancer. Biden's
score of nine places is cancer in the high risk category.
(03:40):
When prostate cancer metastasizes, as in Biden's case, it most
commonly spreads to the bones, which can lead to pain, fractures,
and other complications if left untreated. However, medical experts emphasize
that even with metastatic disease, modern treatments can often effectively
manage prostate cancer for years. The fact that Biden's case
answer as hormone sensitive is a positive sign. Hormone therapy,
(04:04):
which reduces levels of male hormones androgens like testosterone that
can stimulate prostate cancer growth, is often effective in such cases.
Additional treatment options might include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or
newer targeted therapies. The announcement of Biden's diagnosis prompted an
outpouring of support from political figures across the spectrum. President
(04:27):
Donald Trump, who has frequently criticized Biden both during and
after their political rivalry, set politics aside to express sympathy.
In a post on truth Social Trump wrote, Milania and
I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden's recent medical diagnosis.
We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill in
the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.
(04:50):
Former Vice President Kamala Harris also offered words of support,
describing Biden as a fighter who would face this challenge
with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always
defined his life in leadership. Similar sentiments came from figures
ranging from former President Barack Obama to Republican lawmakers, highlighting
(05:10):
how health challenges can temporarily transcend the usually rigid political
divides in Washington. For Biden, this diagnosis comes at the
end of a remarkable chapter in his long political career.
After deciding not to seek reelection in July twenty twenty
four amid concerns about his age and public performance, Biden's
presidency concluded in January twenty twenty five. The transition marked
(05:33):
the end of a half century in public service that
included thirty six years in the Senate, eight years as
Vice president, and four years as president. His health had
been a subject of scrutiny throughout his presidency, with questions
about his age and fitness for office frequently raised by opponents.
In February twenty twenty four, his doctor had reported that
Biden showed no signs of trouble during his annual physical examination.
(05:57):
The discovery of the prostate nodule appears to have occurred
during a routine checkup after he left office. Biden's diagnosis
also highlights ongoing challenges in early detection of prostate cancer.
While prostate specific antigen PSA, blood tests and digital rectal
exams can help identify potential issues, there remains debate in
the medical community about the optimal approach to screening. Many
(06:20):
cases of prostate cancer are slow growing and may never
cause problems, leading to concerns about overdiagnosis and overtreatment. However,
aggressive variants like Biden's underscore the importance of timely detection
for high risk cases. For men diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer,
the five year survival rate is approximately thirty percent according
(06:42):
to the American Cancer Society, though this varies significantly based
on individual factors, including age, overall health, specific cancer characteristics,
and response to treatment. With advances in treatment options, many
patients live well beyond initial projections. Biden's public battle with
cancer may help raise awareness about prostate health among American men,
(07:03):
particularly those in their senior years. Medical experts often note
that men are less likely than women to seek preventive
health care, a disparity that can lead to later stage
diagnoses for conditions like prostate cancer. The former president's open
discussion of his diagnosis continues a tradition of public figures
using their personal health challenges to promote greater awareness. From
(07:25):
President Ronald Reagan's disclosure of his Alzheimer's disease to Senator
John McCain's battle with brain cancer, these moments have historically
prompted spikes in public interest and education about various health conditions.
Biden's Cancer Moonshot Initiative had already put significant focus on
improving cancer detection, treatment, and survivorship. In twenty twenty two,
(07:46):
when relaunching the program, Biden committed to a whole of
government approach to ending cancer as we know it. The
initiative has directed billions in federal funding toward cancer research,
with a particular emphasis on developing blood tests that can
detect multiple cancers early, creating advanced imaging technologies, and supporting
data sharing networks to accelerate research. Now, facing his own
(08:09):
cancer diagnosis, Biden finds himself in a position to bring
even greater visibility to the cause he has championed for years.
The personal often becomes political in health care advocacy, and
Biden's journey may well inspire increase public attention to cancer screening, research, funding,
and support for patients and their families. The former president
(08:29):
and his family are currently reviewing treatment options with his physicians,
according to the statement from his office, While details of
his treatment plan have not been made public, standard approaches
for his condition typically include hormone therapy as a foundation,
often supplemented with additional treatments depending on the specific characteristics
of the cancer and the patient's overall health. For an
(08:51):
eighty two year old with metastatic disease, quality of life
considerations become particularly important in treatment decisions. Modern oncology in
increasingly emphasizes personalized approaches that balance effectiveness against side effects.
Especially for older patients. The goal shifts from pursuing aggressive
treatments at all costs to maintaining function and comfort while
(09:12):
controlling the disease. Biden's diagnosis serves as a reminder of
cancer's democratic nature. It affects people regardless of wealth, power
or status. Despite advances in treatment, cancer remains one of
America's most significant health challenges, with approximately one point nine
million new diagnoses and over six hundred thousand cancer deaths
(09:33):
expected in the United States this year. For Biden personally,
this diagnosis represents yet another challenge in a life marked
by both triumph and tragedy. Having endured the loss of
his first wife and infant daughter in a car accident
in nineteen seventy two, and later the death of his
son Boe to cancer, Biden has often spoken about how
personal tragedy shaped his approach to public service. His political
(09:56):
career has been characterized by resilience and empathy that may
serve him well in this latest health battle. The news
of Biden's cancer diagnosis comes during a period of significant
political transition in the United States, with President Trump back
in office after defeating Vice President Harris in the twenty
twenty four election. The country continues to navigate deep partisan divides.
(10:18):
Yet moments like these, when a respected public figure faces
a serious health challenge, often prompt brief pauses in political combat,
reminding Americans of their shared humanity beyond political differences. Health
experts emphasize that Biden's diagnosis, while serious, comes at a
time of unprecedented progress in cancer treatment. The past decade
(10:40):
has seen revolutionary advances in immunotherapy, targeted treatments, and precision
medicine approaches that have transformed prospects for many cancer patients.
For hormone sensitive prostate cancer, specifically, several new medications have
been approved in recent years that can extend and improve
quality of life even when the disease has spread. While
(11:00):
Biden's exact treatment regimen remains private, he will benefit from
these advances, many of which were supported by federal research
funding he helps secure throughout his political career. In this way,
his situation illustrates the cyclical nature of public health advocacy,
where today's policy decisions shape tomorrow's treatment options for the
millions of American men living with prostate cancer and the
(11:22):
millions more who will face a diagnosis in the coming years.
Biden's public journey may provide both inspiration and valuable information.
By maintaining his characteristic openness about personal challenges, the former
president continues his long tradition of converting private pain into
public purpose. As Biden begins this new chapter, he carries
(11:42):
with him not only the support of his family and
political allies, but also the well wishes of millions of
Americans across the political spectrum. His approach to this health
challenge will likely mirror the philosophy he expressed in his
memoir that we are indeed strongest in the broken places.
For a man who has spent his life in public service,
even this most personal of battles takes on a public dimension,
(12:05):
becoming yet another opportunity to advocate, educate, and inspire and
for a nation that continues to wage war against cancer
and laboratories, hospitals, and homes across the country, Biden's journey
serves as both a reminder of cancer's reach and the
resilience of those who face it. The story of Joe
Biden's cancer diagnosis is still being written as he reviews
(12:26):
treatment options and begins the next phase of his journey,
one thing remains clear. The advocate has become the advocated
for the champion, now the challenger, and in that role,
as in so many others throughout his long career, Biden
has the opportunity to lead by example, showing Americans how
to face adversity with grace, courage, and hope. Thanks for listening.
(12:50):
Please subscribe to hear more content like this. This has
been brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For
more content like this, please go to Quiet. Please dot
ai Quiet, Please dot ai hear what matters
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