Former President Joe Biden is grappling with the progression of his prostate cancer, which has now spread to his bones and other areas of his body. His son, Hunter Biden, shared the update during a wide-ranging interview with BBC News, a partner of, held late Friday.
Describing the toll the illness has taken, Hunter Biden noted that the condition is both physically painful and debilitating. “The cancer has spread, metastasized into his bones and further,” he stated, adding that it is difficult for the family to witness the former president’s decline.
Joe Biden, 83, served as the oldest U.S. president in history, a tenure marked by frequent public scrutiny regarding his age and health. Following a difficult debate with his eventual successor, President Trump, Biden withdrew from his reelection campaign. His administration and White House staff faced significant criticism during his term for allegedly obscuring the severity of his health challenges.
The former president first disclosed his cancer diagnosis in May of last year, roughly four months after departing the White House. Medical records from that time indicated a Gleason score of 9, placing the diagnosis in Grade Group 5, the most severe category for this type of cancer.
Beyond his prostate cancer, the former president underwent surgery in September for skin cancer, a procedure involving the removal of thin layers of tissue until only healthy skin remained. His office also confirmed that he completed a course of radiation therapy for his prostate cancer last October.
Reflecting on the initial diagnosis, former first lady Jill Biden told in May that the news was a profound shock to the family. She noted that the cancer was not identified during his time in office, explaining that medical guidelines for men over 70 often suggest skipping PSA blood tests due to the typically slow-growing nature of the disease. She expressed that while they received excellent care, the diagnosis was unfortunately missed.
Despite the severity of his condition, Hunter Biden said his father remains active and continues to speak out on public issues. “He’s still doing his thing,” Hunter remarked, noting that he wishes his father would complain more about the pain. “He so believes in this country.”
As he continues to navigate these health challenges, the former president is preparing to release a memoir titled “Promise Me, America,” which is scheduled for publication following the midterm elections.
“It’s very painful and it’s very debilitating in many respects.”
Joe Biden, 83, was the oldest man to serve as U.S.
“Honestly, I can remember getting the diagnosis, and it was just shocking,” she said.
“It’s really sad to watch,” Hunter Biden said.
