Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, according to a statement from his personal office on Sunday. The diagnosis came after doctors investigated worsening urinary symptoms and found a suspicious nodule on his prostate. On Friday, the 82-year-old was confirmed to have metastatic prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9—one of the most severe forms of the disease.

Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, doctors say the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which means it’s more likely to respond well to treatment. Biden and his family are currently weighing treatment options with his medical team.

On Monday, Biden addressed the news in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Cancer touches us all,” and thanked supporters for the outpouring of kindness he and his wife, Jill, have received. He added, “We have learned that we are strongest in the broken places,” referencing their family’s resilience in tough times.

The announcement follows recent reports that Biden had been tested for a “small nodule” on his prostate. While prostate cancer is fairly common in older men, experts say Biden’s case is particularly serious. Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urologist not involved in Biden’s care, explained that a Gleason score of 9 indicates a very aggressive cancer. Dr. Benjamin Davies, a specialist in urologic oncology, echoed those concerns.

Biden is currently at home in Wilmington, Delaware. Officials have not shared where he is being treated.

His health has been under a microscope throughout the 2024 election season. As the oldest person to have served as U.S. president, Biden already faced scrutiny over his physical and cognitive health. After a shaky debate performance against Donald Trump, Biden withdrew from the race weeks later.

Earlier this year, his physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, had declared him “fit for duty” after a physical at Walter Reed. Still, reports from books by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’s Alex Thompson highlighted growing signs of decline—one anecdote included Biden allegedly failing to recognize actor George Clooney, and internal talks about the potential need for a wheelchair if he served a second term.

Since leaving office, Biden has kept a lower public profile. In a recent appearance on ABC’s The View, he pushed back against rumors of cognitive decline, saying, “They’re mistaken.” Jill Biden backed him up, describing her husband’s late-night work habits and dedication.

In a rare show of unity, former President Donald Trump put politics aside to send well wishes. “The news of Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis saddens Melania and me,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “We wish Joe a speedy and full recovery and send our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family.”

Vice President Kamala Harris also voiced her support, writing on X: “Joe is a fighter. I have no doubt he’ll face this with the same strength and hope that have always defined him.”

Doctors agree the diagnosis is serious, but there’s hope. “Even with high-risk prostate cancer, many people can still lead fulfilling lives,” said Dr. Brahmbhatt. However, he cautioned that treatment can impact memory, mood, and overall quality of life. Dr. Davies added that while the cancer isn’t curable because it’s spread to the bones, newer treatments have extended survival and improved comfort for many patients.

Biden’s fight against cancer is deeply personal. In 2015, he lost his son Beau to brain cancer. As vice president, he spearheaded the Obama administration’s Cancer Moonshot initiative. In 2022, President Biden revived that effort, aiming to cut cancer deaths in half over 25 years and committing $150 million to cancer research.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Barack Obama also offered support. Clinton praised Biden’s long-time dedication to cancer research, while Obama wrote, “Joe has done more than anyone to advance lifesaving cancer treatments. He will face this with his characteristic determination.”

As the Biden family faces the road ahead, their focus remains on treatment, healing, and continuing the fight against a disease that has touched them so personally.