Former US president Joe Biden is facing a serious health challenge after being diagnosed with an "aggressive" form of prostate cancer that has already spread to his bones. The announcement came through a statement from his office on Sunday, detailing that the 82-year-old was diagnosed on Friday, 16 May, following concerns over increasing urinary symptoms and a new prostate nodule.

"While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians," the statement said.

The diagnosis follows a turbulent year for the former president, who had earlier withdrawn from the 2024 race amid rising questions about his age and mental sharpness. Despite stepping down, Biden had remained firm in his belief that he could have won. His vice president, Kamala Harris, went on to lose the election to Republican candidate Donald Trump.

Just last week, a newly surfaced recording showing Biden speaking with hesitation and difficulty recalling key dates reignited concerns over his cognitive condition. The health news also echoes a personal loss for Biden, whose son Beau died of brain cancer in 2015.