Former U.S. President Joe Biden has entered a new phase of treatment for an aggressive form of prostate cancer diagnosed earlier this year, his office confirmed on Saturday.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Biden, 82, is undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment as part of a comprehensive care plan aimed at managing the cancer, which has metastasized to his bones.
"As part of a treatment plan for prostate cancer, President Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment," his spokesperson said.
According to NBC News, the five-week radiation therapy represents a new stage in Biden's care. The former president had already been receiving oral hormone medication, a standard component in advanced prostate cancer management.
Background: A Long Battle with Cancer
Biden publicly disclosed his diagnosis in May 2025, revealing that the cancer was both aggressive and advanced. His office stated at the time that he was "pursuing several treatment options to ensure effective management of the illness."
In an emotional message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Biden wrote:
"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."
Medical experts consulted by NBC News noted that because prostate cancer often develops slowly, the advanced nature of Biden's illness suggested it may have gone undiagnosed for years.
Recent Procedures and Health Updates
Just last month, Biden underwent Mohs surgery, a skin cancer removal procedure, to treat a lesion on his forehead. His physician later confirmed that "all cancerous tissue was successfully removed" and that no further treatment was required for the skin cancer.
The former president, who turns 83 next month, is said to be "doing well" despite the demanding course of treatment.
In 2023, while still in office, Biden had a skin lesion removed during a routine physical exam, which was later identified as basal cell carcinoma, one of the most common and treatable forms of skin cancer.
Medical Context and Public Concern
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer screening is generally recommended every two years for men in their 50s and 60s. Men in their 80s, like Biden, are less frequently screened, as treatments often depend on overall health and life expectancy. It remains unclear whether Biden's last medical exam included prostate screening before the diagnosis.
While his doctors continue to express optimism about his resilience, oncologists acknowledge that metastatic prostate cancer requires long-term, often lifelong, management through radiation, hormone therapy, and targeted medication.
Political and Personal Resilience
Biden's health challenges come months after his retirement from the White House in January 2025. His presidency ended following his decision to withdraw from the 2024 re-election race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.
The latter part of his presidency was marked by debates over his age and cognitive fitness, criticisms he and his family firmly denied. His public appearances since leaving office have remained limited, though close aides describe him as "mentally sharp and spiritually strong."
A Personal and National Symbol
For decades, Joe Biden has been a symbol of resilience in personal adversity, having endured family tragedy, political defeat, and now, life-threatening illness.
His ongoing battle with cancer once again places him in the public eye -- not as a politician, but as a human figure confronting mortality with grace and determination.
As he continues treatment, the message from his circle remains consistent: Biden is fighting -- and he is doing so with dignity.