Illinois officials respond to news of Joe Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis

CHICAGO (WLS) — Upon learning about former President Joe Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis, reactions from politicians and officials in Chicago and Illinois flooded in on Sunday.

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.

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In addition to statements from President Donald Trump and former Vice President Kamala Harris, politicians in Illinois also expressed their support and well-wishes for Biden as he faces this health challenge.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama released the following statement:
“Michelle and I are keeping the entire Biden family in our thoughts. Joe has been a leader in advancing treatments for cancer, and I believe he will confront this hurdle with his characteristic determination and dignity. Our prayers are for his speedy and complete recovery.”

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.”

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.