The office of Joseph R. Biden Jr., the 82-year-old former President of the United States, announced on the evening of July 13 that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The diagnosis came after a routine medical examination revealed a concerning nodule in the prostate, which required further analysis.

Biden publicly addressed the diagnosis through a social media post, sharing a photograph with his wife, Jill Biden, and their cat, Willow.

In his message, he emphasized the universal impact of cancer, stating, 'Cancer touches us all.

Like many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places.

Thank you for lifting us up with your love and support.'

The diagnosis indicated a Gleason score of 9 (out of a possible 10), which is categorized as a high-grade cancer, suggesting an aggressive form of the disease.

This Gleason score system, developed by Dr. Donald Gleason in the 1960s, evaluates the aggressiveness of prostate cancer by analyzing tissue samples under a microscope.

The score is derived from the patterns of cancer cells, ranked from 1 to 5, with cells closer to 1 resembling more normal prostate tissue, while those at 5 grade indicate more abnormal characteristics.

Prostate cancer scores typically range from 2 to 10, though scores below 6 are uncommon in practical applications.

A score of 6 represents low-grade cancer, 7 is intermediate, and scores of 8 to 10 indicate high-grade, poorly differentiated tumors that are associated with a higher risk of aggressive spread.

In Biden's case, the cancer has metastasized to bone, although reports indicate that it is hormone-sensitive.

This characteristic may allow for effective treatment options as Biden and his family consult with medical professionals to explore treatment pathways.

In a notable expression of support, former President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, conveyed their well wishes to Biden and his family following the announcement of the diagnosis.