Former U.S. President Joe Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer on May 16,2025, after experiencing urinary symptoms. Cancer remains a global health challenge affecting individuals all over the world, including world leaders.
Joe Biden
On May 16, 2025, Joe Biden’s office announced his diagnosis with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. This diagnosis followed urinary symptoms and the discovery of a prostate nodule during a routine evaluation.
The sickness has metastasized to his bones, but its nature is hormone-sensitive, suggesting effective management through treatments like hormone therapy or chemotherapy.
This has led to Biden and his family reviewing treatment options as he is 82 years old, which means that he faces a serious condition.
Former President Barack Obama, President Donald Trump and former Vice President Kamala Harris have expressed their solidarity by showing support by sending motivational messages.
Biden had previously lost his son to cancer in 2015 which led him to establish the Cancer Moonshot initiative aimed at reducing cancer deaths.
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King Charles III
King Charles III, now aged 75, was diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer in February 2024. The Cancer was identified during treatment for an enlarged prostate.
King Charles is currently undergoing treatment, with Buckingham Palace maintaining privacy and refusing to disclose the cancer type or stage.
On April 30, 2025, the Monarch hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace to celebrate community-based initiatives that raise cancer awareness and support those living with the disease.
He reflected on his experience as a cancer patient as “daunting and at times frightening” for both him and his loved ones.
“But as one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity,” he continued.
“It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals gathered here this evening, many of whom I have known, visited and supported over the years. And it has reinforced what I have long observed during these visits that the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.”
King Charles III public engagements have been adjusted, with a focus on recovery and support for cancer awareness.
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Catherine, Princess of Wales
Catherine, Princess of Wales, was diagnosed with cancer in January 2024 following an abdominal surgery.
The surgery was initially described as noncancerous by a royal source. The post-surgery tests, however, revealed Catherine, also referred to as Kate, had cancer.
This led to Catherine starting her chemotherapy course in March 2024 and shared the diagnosis in a video statement on her official social media account.
In the video, she highlighted the shock she went through during and after the diagnosis and thanked everyone who stood by her during times she described as “really tough”.
Kate completed her chemotherapy by September 2024 and once again announced it in a video, expressing the relief of being “cancer free”.
On January 14, 2025, while on a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital, Kate confirmed her cancer was on remission. “It is a relief to now be in remission, and I remain focused on recovery” she said.
Royal Marsden Hospital is where Catherine underwent her cancer treatment and thanked all the medical personnel who dedicate themselves to attend to cancer patients.
Kate has since gradually resumed public duties signalling a return to her royal role, with public appearances at the Commonwealth Day Service, Guiness Six Nations along Prince William as well as participating in the St. Patrick Day Parade, all in March 2025.
Kensington Palace declined to specify whether she was medically declared cancer-free or undergoing further treatment, but her statements and actions suggest a focus on recovery and adjustment to a “new normal”.
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