Biden cancer: Reactions pour in from Illinois officials after former President Joe Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — Reactions from politicians and officials in Chicago and Illinois poured in Sunday after former President Joe Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis was announced.

Biden’s office made the announcement in a statement, saying he is facing an “aggressive” form of the disease that has spread to his bones.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Along with statements from President Donald Trump and former Vice President Kamala Harris, politicians in Illinois also shared tributes to Biden amid his cancer battle.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama shared the following statement:
“Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family. Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.”

Former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden participate in a fundraising event with Stephen Colbert at Radio City Music Hall, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in New York.

Former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden participate in a fundraising event with Stephen Colbert at Radio City Music Hall, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in New York.

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker shared the following statement:
“President Biden knows that when you get knocked down, you get back up and fight. I join the nation in sending strength to President Biden and his family and hope for a full recovery. We’re with you in this fight, Joe.”

President Joe Biden greets Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker as he arrives at Chicago Rockford International Airport, Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, in Rockford, Ill.

President Joe Biden greets Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker as he arrives at Chicago Rockford International Airport, Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, in Rockford, Ill.

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton shared the following statement:
“Bryan and I are sending faith-filled prayers of healing and strength to President Biden. To the entire Biden family, I know your faith will give you strength for the journey ahead. You’re in our hearts.”

Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin shared the following statement:
“Praying for my friend and former colleague, Joe Biden, after hearing news of his diagnosis. Loretta and I will be keeping Joe, the entire Biden family, and the medical professionals treating him in our thoughts during this time. Continue to keep the faith, Joe.”

Illinois U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth shared the following statement:
“I’m sending my thoughts to the Biden family and wishing President Biden a full and speedy recovery.”

Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot shared the following statement:
“President Joe Biden is a good man with a great heart who has served his country well even through times of personal tragedy. I will be praying for him as he fights for recovery from prostate cancer.”

Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel shared the following statement:
“As President Biden often reminds us, his father would say, ‘When you get knocked down, you get back up.’ Joe, we know you’ll get back up and back to work on the cancer moonshot. Amy and I are rooting for you.”

The initial concern with the cancer diagnosis comes with the fact that Biden is 82 years old. Medical experts told ABC7 this cancer is not curable because it has already spread to his bones.

Dr. Chris George, a medical director from the Northwestern Hospital system, said hormonal treatment will likely be the best option for the former president.

“It’s not curable. If it spreads to the bones, you cannot cure the cancer. Curative therapy does not exist, but it’s very treatable and controllable,” Dr. George said. “I would expect his quality of life over the next year to be reasonably good. I would expect if there is any baseline frailty or cognitive disfunction. I would expect that to perhaps get worse I would worry about that. I would not expect him to die from this disease in the next year.”

Dr. George explained that chemotherapy would probably not be a good option for Biden as it would quickly diminish his quality of life.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Former Vice President Dick Cheney dead at 84

Dick Cheney, Former Vice President, Passes Away at 84

Former Vice President Dick Cheney, widely regarded as one of the most…
ICE Chicago news: Federal immigration agents detain man at Prospect Heights, Illinois apartment complex, video shows

Federal Immigration Agents Arrest Man at Prospect Heights Apartment Complex, Captured on Video

In Prospect Heights, Illinois, federal agents descended upon an apartment complex around…
Charlie Kirk's widow fights to keep news cameras in courtroom for accused assassin's trial

Battle for Transparency: Charlie Kirk’s Widow Demands Courtroom Cameras in High-Profile Murder Trial

PROGRAMMING ALERT: Catch the full interview this Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET…
What's on the ballot in the first general election since Donald Trump took office

Decoding the 2023 Ballot: Key Issues in the First Post-Trump General Election

WASHINGTON (AP) — As the nation marks one year since Donald Trump…
Jake Haro sentenced 25 years to life for murder of Emmanuel Haro

Jake Haro Receives 25-to-Life Sentence for the Murder of Emmanuel Haro: Justice Served in High-Profile Case

Jake Haro has been handed a prison sentence ranging from 25 years…
Jonas Brothers drop "A Very Jonas Christmas Movie" soundtrack and new single "Coming Home This Christmas"

Jonas Brothers Release “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie” Soundtrack Featuring New Single “Coming Home This Christmas

LOS ANGELES — The Jonas Brothers are ringing in the holiday season…
Election Day 2025: Here are the key states with major races

Election Day 2025: Spotlight on Pivotal States Hosting Major Races

As the calendar turns to November 4, 2025, voters in various states…
Winthrop Harbor news: Trent Schneider arrested in 2800-block of 15th Street for threatening to kill Donald Trump, officials say

Breaking News: Arrest in Winthrop Harbor – Man Threatens Donald Trump, Shocking Details Unveiled

A man from the northern suburbs of Chicago was arrested on Monday…