Full Breakdown
Joe Biden’s Prostate Cancer Progresses as Family Shares Candid Update
8/10/2026, 12:25:20 AM
Core Update on the President’s Health
Former President Joe Biden, 83, disclosed in May 2025 that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Despite the spread, Hunter noted that his father continues to appear publicly and “still does his thing.”
Recent Treatments and Medical Context
- May 2025 – Diagnosis announced; Gleason score 9, placing the cancer in Grade Group 5, the most severe classification.
- September 2025 – Completed a course of radiation therapy combined with hormone treatment; the cancer was described as hormone-sensitive, allowing management but not cure.
- Late 2025 – Underwent surgery to remove skin-cancer lesions; the procedure involved excising thin layers of skin until cancer-free tissue remained.
Medical experts cited in the coverage explain that once prostate cancer spreads to bone, it is generally incurable, though treatment can slow progression and manage symptoms.
Family’s Public Remarks
Jill Biden echoed the seriousness, noting the difference between a curable prostate cancer confined to the gland and the current metastatic disease.
Official Statements & Responses
- Joe Biden’s office confirmed the diagnosis and the ongoing treatment regimen, emphasizing that the cancer is being managed with hormone therapy and radiation.
- Dr. Biden (the former president’s physician) told the New York Times that “He will forever live with cancer,” characterizing the condition as a constant, daily challenge.
- Jill Biden said the prognosis is “good” in the sense that treatment is working, but she stressed the disease’s incurable nature once it reaches the bones.
Criticism of Health Transparency
During his presidency, Biden’s age and health were repeatedly scrutinized. Critics—including political analysts and former advisers—accused the administration of downplaying the severity of his condition, especially after the June 2024 presidential debate that preceded his decision to abandon the re-election campaign. The criticism resurfaced following the latest family update, with some observers arguing that earlier concealment contributed to public uncertainty.
Data & Statistics
- Age at diagnosis: 83 years.
- Gleason score: 9 (Grade Group 5).
- Metastasis: Confirmed spread to bone and beyond.
- Treatment history: Radiation therapy, hormone therapy, skin-cancer surgery.
Upcoming Memoir and Future Plans
Joe Biden is slated to release a memoir titled “Promise Me, America” after the November 2026 midterm elections. The book is expected to address his political career and, according to multiple sources, his health journey.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s metastasized into his bones and further,” — Hunter Biden, former president
- “He will forever live with cancer,” — Dr. Biden, former president
- “The cancer has spread, it has metastasized into his bones and further. It’s very painful, and it’s very debilitating in many respects,” — Hunter Biden, former president
- “Was it good for our Constitution? Was it good for the American people? Was it good for my dad’s legacy? No, on all counts,” — White House. Hunter
- “He’s still out there. He’s still doing his thing,” — Hunter Biden, former president
- “My dad never let me off the hook,” — White House. Hunter
