Former President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. Though serious, the cancer is hormone-sensitive and considered manageable. In October, Biden completed a round of radiation therapy. This is but another difficult chapter in a life and career marked by both triumph and adversity.
Biden was sworn in as president on January 20, 2021, following one of the most publicized and nerve-racking elections in US history. He had already been a familiar face in American politics, having served as vice president under Barack Obama for eight years. His presidency sparked controversy, especially due to his staunch support of Israel and the war in Gaza. But the trials of Joe Biden didn’t begin with his presidency, nor is he in the clear now.
As he confronts this personal health battle, it’s worth reflecting on the path that brought him here: his family story, political legacy, and life before the White House.