Former President Joe Biden has begun radiation therapy as part of his treatment for an aggressive form of metastatic prostate cancer diagnosed in May 2025. A spokesperson confirmed he is also receiving hormone treatment and described him as doing well. The cancer, which spread to his bones, was detected after urinary symptoms prompted a scan.
Former President Joe Biden, now 82, was diagnosed with an aggressive, hormone-sensitive form of metastatic prostate cancer in May 2025, four months before the latest update. The diagnosis followed the detection of a prostate nodule amid increasing urinary symptoms. Biden's office noted the disease could be effectively managed due to its hormone sensitivity.
A spokesperson told Fox News that "As part of a treatment plan for prostate cancer, President Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment." Previously, Biden had been receiving routine scans. The radiation therapy is expected to last about five weeks, and he is taking hormone medication in pill form, according to reports. The spokesperson added that Biden is "doing well."
In a May 19, 2025, post on X, Biden shared: "Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support."
Biden has a history of health challenges, including skin cancer treatments. On September 4, 2025, he underwent Mohs surgery to remove cancerous skin cells. During his presidency, a cancerous lesion was removed from his chest in 2023, with all cells successfully excised. In 1988, at age 45, he survived two brain aneurysms with a 50% survival chance; no recurrences have been reported.
While in office, Biden and former First Lady Jill Biden advanced cancer research through the revived Cancer Moonshot initiative, aiming to cut the cancer death rate by 50% over 25 years.
The disclosure has prompted bipartisan well-wishes but also questions about the timeline of the diagnosis, given prostate cancer's slow progression. Separate investigations, including a June 2025 memo from President Trump and a House Oversight Committee probe, examine potential concealment of Biden's health issues during his presidency, including autopen use.