In a statement released on Saturday, October 11, 2025, a spokesperson for former US President Joe Biden announced that the 82-year-old is currently receiving radiation therapy and hormone treatment as part of an ongoing treatment plan for prostate cancer. The diagnosis, first made public in May 2025, revealed an aggressive form of the disease that had spread to his bones. The spokesperson, as reported by NBC News, noted that this phase of treatment is expected to last approximately five weeks and represents a new stage in Biden’s medical care. The former president had already been undergoing hormone therapy, a fact he acknowledged earlier this year.
Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis came shortly after the conclusion of his single term as the 46th President of the United States, which ended in January 2025. Following his presidency, Biden returned to his home state of Delaware, where he has been focusing on his health and recovery. Next month, he is set to celebrate his 83rd birthday, a milestone that underscores the significance of his ongoing medical treatment.
Details of the Diagnosis and Treatment
According to Biden’s office, the prostate cancer was identified as aggressive, with evidence of metastasis to his bones. Prostate cancer, one of the most common cancers among men, can vary widely in its severity. While many cases are slow-growing and manageable, aggressive forms, particularly those that spread beyond the prostate, require intensive treatment. Biden’s treatment plan, which includes both radiation therapy and hormone therapy, is designed to target the cancer and slow its progression.
Hormone therapy, also known as androgen deprivation therapy, works by reducing the levels of male hormones (androgens) that fuel prostate cancer growth. Biden had been taking hormone medication prior to the addition of radiation therapy, which uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells or inhibit their growth. The combination of these treatments is a standard approach for advanced prostate cancer, particularly when the disease has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones.
The spokesperson’s statement indicated that the radiation therapy marks a new phase in Biden’s care, suggesting a shift or escalation in his treatment strategy. While the specific reasons for this change were not detailed, it may reflect the need to address the cancer’s spread or to manage symptoms associated with the disease. The five-week duration of the radiation therapy aligns with typical protocols for external beam radiation, a common method for treating prostate cancer that has metastasized.
Biden’s Public Response and Optimism
When Biden first disclosed his diagnosis in May 2025, he spoke candidly about his condition, expressing confidence in his medical team and optimism about his prognosis. “The expectation is we are going to be able to beat this,” he said at the time, striking a hopeful tone. His openness about his health challenges has been consistent with his approach to public life, where he has often emphasized resilience and perseverance.
Biden’s diagnosis and treatment have drawn significant attention, not only because of his status as a former president but also due to his age and the public’s interest in his health during and after his presidency. At 82, Biden is among the older individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer, a disease that primarily affects men over the age of 65. His case highlights the importance of early detection and advanced medical interventions, which have improved outcomes for many patients with aggressive forms of the disease.
Additional Health Context
In addition to his prostate cancer treatment, Biden underwent surgery in September 2025 to remove cancerous skin cells. While the spokesperson did not specify the type of skin cancer, such procedures are often associated with basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, both of which are highly treatable when detected early. The surgery was reportedly successful, and there have been no indications of complications related to this procedure.
Biden’s health has been a topic of public discussion throughout his political career, particularly during his presidency, when he was the oldest individual to assume the office. Regular health updates provided by his physicians during his term emphasized his overall fitness to lead, despite occasional concerns about age-related health issues. The prostate cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatments represent a new chapter in Biden’s health journey, one that he is navigating outside the demands of the presidency.
Prostate Cancer: A Broader Perspective
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States, with approximately 1 in 8 men diagnosed during their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. In 2025, an estimated 299,000 new cases will be diagnosed, and over 35,000 men will die from the disease. While many cases are slow-growing and may not require immediate treatment, aggressive forms, like the one affecting Biden, demand a more intensive approach.
The disease’s progression to the bones, as in Biden’s case, is a serious development, as it indicates stage IV prostate cancer, also known as metastatic prostate cancer. This stage is not curable, but advancements in treatment have significantly extended life expectancy and improved quality of life for patients. Radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and, in some cases, chemotherapy or immunotherapy are used to manage the disease and alleviate symptoms such as bone pain.
Biden’s public acknowledgment of his diagnosis may also serve to raise awareness about prostate cancer screening and treatment. Regular screenings, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams, are critical for early detection, particularly for men over 50 or those with a family history of the disease. Biden’s case underscores the importance of ongoing medical care and the potential for positive outcomes even in advanced cases.
Life After the Presidency
Since leaving office, Biden has maintained a relatively low public profile, focusing on his health and family in Delaware. His home state has long been a place of personal significance, serving as his political base during his decades-long career as a senator, vice president, and president. As he undergoes treatment, Biden is likely to remain in Delaware, close to medical facilities and supported by his family, including his wife, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.
The former president’s decision to serve only one term was influenced by a variety of factors, including his age and the demanding nature of the presidency. His health challenges, including the recent cancer diagnosis, have added a new dimension to his post-presidential life. Nevertheless, Biden’s public statements reflect a determination to face his diagnosis head-on, supported by a robust medical team and the encouragement of those around him.
Public and Political Reactions
News of Biden’s treatment has elicited widespread support from across the political spectrum. Former colleagues, world leaders, and members of the public have expressed their well-wishes, emphasizing Biden’s contributions to public service and his resilience in the face of personal challenges. Social media platforms, including X, have seen an outpouring of messages hoping for his recovery, with many users sharing personal stories of loved ones affected by prostate cancer.
Politically, Biden’s diagnosis has reignited discussions about the health of public figures and the transparency expected from them. During his presidency, Biden’s administration was praised for its openness about his health, a practice that has continued into his post-presidential life. His willingness to share details of his diagnosis and treatment may set a precedent for how public figures address serious health issues, fostering greater understanding and reducing stigma around diseases like cancer.
Looking Ahead
As Biden continues his radiation and hormone therapy, his medical team will closely monitor his response to treatment and adjust his care plan as needed. The five-week course of radiation therapy is a significant step, but it is likely only one part of a longer-term strategy to manage his condition. Advances in prostate cancer treatment, including targeted therapies and precision medicine, offer hope for improved outcomes, even in advanced cases.
For now, Biden remains optimistic, drawing on the same resolve that characterized his decades in public service. His journey with prostate cancer is a reminder of the challenges faced by millions of cancer patients worldwide and the importance of medical research, early detection, and comprehensive care. As he navigates this personal battle, Biden’s story continues to resonate, offering inspiration and raising awareness about a disease that affects so many.
