Joe Biden Shares Heartbreaking Cancer Update

Former President Joe Biden has revealed that his battle with advanced prostate cancer is taking a toll on his daily life, forcing him to cut back on public appearances as he prepares to release a highly anticipated memoir about his time in the White House.

Biden, 83, shared the emotional update Sunday, November 8, acknowledging that while doctors remain encouraged by his response to treatment, his health struggles have made some days considerably harder than others.

“Some days are better than others. It hasn’t stopped me. But sometimes it slows me down,” Biden wrote on X.

The former president admitted that his condition has disrupted plans to promote his upcoming book, Promise Me, America, scheduled for release November 17.

“What that means is, unfortunately, I won’t be able to do as many conversations about my book as I’d hoped,” he explained, adding that he hopes the words on the page will speak for themselves.

The candid admission offers a sobering glimpse into Biden’s life nearly two years after leaving the presidency, as he continues treatment for a serious illness that has already spread beyond his prostate.

Biden was diagnosed in May 2025 with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had metastasized to his bones. His medical team identified the disease as having a Gleason score of 9, indicating a particularly aggressive cancer.

At the time, his office said the cancer appeared responsive to hormone treatment, providing an important option for managing the disease.

Biden subsequently underwent radiation and hormone therapy. In a September health update, he said radiation treatment had worked as intended and thanked his medical team for its care.

Despite those encouraging developments, his family has spoken openly about the difficult reality of his diagnosis.

His son, Hunter Biden, revealed during an August interview with the BBC that his father’s cancer had spread to his bones and beyond, describing the experience of watching him struggle as deeply upsetting.

“It’s really sad to watch,” Hunter said, explaining that the disease had caused significant pain and physical limitations.

Former First Lady Jill Biden has also acknowledged the seriousness of her husband’s condition, previously saying she believes he will live with cancer for the remainder of his life.

Her remarks underscored the distinction between prostate cancer detected early, when treatment may be curative, and metastatic disease, which is generally treated as a long-term condition rather than considered curable.

The health challenges come at a significant moment for Biden, whose forthcoming memoir promises an inside account of his controversial final years in politics.

Promise Me, America will revisit the major decisions of his presidency, including the political turmoil surrounding his abandoned 2024 reelection campaign.

Biden withdrew from the race following mounting concerns about his age and ability to serve another four years, particularly after his widely criticized debate performance against Donald Trump.

His decision paved the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee, although she ultimately lost the election to Trump.

The memoir is expected to address those turbulent events and offer Biden’s perspective on the decisions that defined his administration.

Despite the controversy surrounding his departure from office, Biden made clear that he remains determined to share his story.

He also expressed gratitude for the prayers and support he and Jill have received throughout his treatment, saying the encouragement has meant more to their family than supporters could know.

The former president ended his message with a reminder of advice his father gave him about perseverance.

“Champ, when you get knocked down, get up,” Biden recalled.

For now, Biden appears determined to remain engaged in public life while accepting that his health will dictate how much he can do.

His latest announcement did not indicate that his cancer had worsened, and he emphasized that doctors remain encouraged by his response to treatment. However, the decision to reduce his book appearances makes clear that the disease continues to affect his everyday life.

With his 84th birthday approaching on November 20, Biden faces another difficult chapter away from the White House, this time focused on his health rather than politics.