Hunter Biden disclosed in a BBC interview that former President Joe Biden’s prostate cancer has metastasized to his bones, marking a significant progression in the former president’s health. The 83-year-old former president, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer in May 2025, has continued public appearances despite the worsening condition, according to his son’s remarks.
Joe Biden’s health update
In the interview with BBC’s Paddy O’Connell, Hunter Biden described his father’s condition as ‘very painful’ and ‘debilitating’, though he emphasized that the former president remains active and engaged. Hunter Biden stated, “The cancer has spread, is metastasized into his bones and further. It’s very painful. It’s very debilitating in many respects, but he’s still out there. He’s still doing his thing.”
Hunter Biden added that his father’s diagnosis was ‘aggressive’, with a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating a high likelihood of abnormal cancer cells spreading. Since the diagnosis, Joe Biden has undergone hormone therapy and radiation treatment at the University of Pennsylvania’s Radiation Oncology clinic. His wife, Jill Biden, previously confirmed that the cancer had metastasized to his bones before the diagnosis was publicly disclosed.
Family reflections and public appearances
Hunter Biden described his father as ‘the center of our family’, praising his resilience and dedication. “My dad is and to this day remains the center of our family, not just because of who he is, the public person, but completely because of who he is to each one of us,” he said. Joe Biden has maintained a public presence, including delivering a keynote address at a Maryland Democratic Party gala and attending the opening of former President Barack Obama’s presidential library in Chicago. He is also set to release a book titled Promise Me, America in mid-November.
Hunter Biden’s pardon and its aftermath
In a separate portion of the interview, Hunter Biden addressed his father’s December 2024 pardon, which cleared his federal gun and tax convictions. While Hunter Biden expressed gratitude for the pardon, he acknowledged that it was ‘not good’ for his father’s reputation or the American people. “I am the most privileged person, as it relates to that, that there could possibly be,” he said, adding, “What would you have thought of my dad if he did not do that for me?”
The pardon, which covered three federal gun charges and nine tax charges, marked the first time a sitting U.S. president’s child was convicted of a crime. Hunter Biden had faced up to 25 years in prison and fines of up to $750,000 before the clemency.
Medical background and treatment timeline
Joe Biden’s cancer was initially detected after he reported urinary symptoms, leading doctors to identify a small nodule on his prostate. The May 2025 announcement confirmed the aggressive nature of the disease, with metastasis to the bone already present. Since then, he has undergone radiation therapy and hormone treatment as part of his ongoing care regimen.
The latest update on his condition comes amid continued speculation about his health and public role. Jill Biden, in a recent interview with Kelly Ripa, reiterated that the former president’s condition is something he will have to manage as the cancer progresses.