After prostate cancer diagnosis, doctors say Joe Biden has this many years to live

Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis has become a major talking point again. The 82-year-old former president is reportedly battling advanced prostate cancer, a condition that doctors say has spread to his bones. That means it’s now metastatic prostate cancer, a stage where the disease is no longer localized and becomes much harder to treat.

Medical experts who spoke to major outlets have shared insight on how this could impact his future.

How long can someone live with metastatic prostate cancer?

According to Dr. Matthew Smith, a specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, the average survival time for men with metastatic prostate cancer is about four to five years. He has led several studies focused on prostate cancer survivorship, and while every case is different, he believes that timeframe is realistic for someone in Biden’s position.

Similarly, Dr. Sandy Srinivas, a medical oncologist at Stanford University, told ABC News Bay Area that while this form of cancer is incurable, living several more years isn’t out of the ordinary. “It’s not a death sentence right away,” she explained, noting that men with this diagnosis often manage it with treatment.

Could Joe Biden have completed another term in office?

This question is at the center of ongoing political debate. At age 82, Biden’s health was already a concern during his campaign. Had he won a second term, he would have been in office until January 2029, which is nearly five years from now.

With doctors estimating a life expectancy of four to five years after a metastatic cancer diagnosis, some experts believe he might not have made it through a full second term. But not all doctors agree.

Are there cases where patients live longer than five years?

Yes, there are. Dr. Herbert Lepor, a urologic oncology specialist at NYU Langone, told Reuters that many patients live five to 10 years and beyond, even with metastatic prostate cancer. He said survival can depend on several factors, including how the cancer responds to treatment, the patient’s overall health, and access to advanced care.

So while some estimates lean toward a shorter survival time, others offer a more hopeful outlook—especially when treatment is started early and the cancer is carefully managed.

What does this say about Biden’s current condition?

None of the physicians who spoke publicly are directly treating Joe Biden. But their general comments about metastatic prostate cancer do give the public an idea of what someone in his situation might be facing.

According to these medical opinions, Biden’s cancer is serious and incurable, but not necessarily terminal in the immediate sense. With proper care, it’s possible he could live several more years. Still, the fact that the disease has spread to the bones makes it a much more dangerous condition.

Why did Biden step away from the 2024 race?

Biden ended his reelection bid in summer 2024, amid growing doubts about his mental sharpness and physical stamina. While his health was one of many factors, this recent information about his aggressive cancer puts that decision into clearer context.

His stepping down removed the urgent concern about whether he could physically and mentally handle another term. It also shifted public focus to his health and what his next few years might look like.

Biden’s health and prognosis

The news about Joe Biden’s advanced prostate cancer and how far it’s progressed has sparked new conversations not just about his legacy, but about age, health, and leadership in politics. While experts like Dr. Smith, Dr. Srinivas, and Dr. Lepor offer different outlooks, the general takeaway is that Biden faces a tough but not hopeless road ahead.

The range of survival estimates—from four to 10 years—depends heavily on medical intervention and how his body responds. As this story continues to develop, public interest in Biden’s health will likely remain strong, especially given the role he played in American politics over the last few decades.

FAQs:

Q1: How long can Joe Biden live with metastatic prostate cancer?
Doctors estimate Biden could live 4 to 10 years, depending on how well treatments work.

Q2: Is Joe Biden’s prostate cancer curable?
No, experts say Biden’s cancer is incurable, but it can be managed with ongoing care.