Former President Joe Biden on Tuesday provided an update on his prostate cancer treatment, confirming that radiation therapy he underwent last fall "worked as intended." In a statement posted on X, Biden thanked medical professionals for their care and urged American men to prioritize early cancer screenings.
Biden’s update came during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a period he noted holds personal significance following his diagnosis in May 2025. At that time, doctors determined his cancer had metastasized to his bones, classifying it as an aggressive form. He emphasized the critical importance of early detection, stating that five-year survival rates approach 100% when prostate cancer is caught early.
Treatment and Current Status
Biden reported that his ongoing treatment has allowed him to continue working on personal projects, including finishing a memoir. He expressed gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and medical staff involved in his care, acknowledging their "skill, dedication, and compassion." The former president also reiterated his commitment to raising awareness about prostate cancer, particularly its disproportionate impact on Black men, who are nearly 70% more likely to be diagnosed and 2 to 4 times more likely to die from the disease than other groups.
Guidance on Screening
In his statement, Biden outlined recommended screening timelines:
- Average-risk men: Begin discussions with doctors around age 50.
- Black men and those with a family history: Start conversations at age 45 or earlier.
- Men with multiple close relatives affected: Consider earlier screenings.
These recommendations align with guidelines from the American Cancer Society, which advises screening at age 50 for average-risk men, age 45 for Black men and those with a family history, and age 40 for men at higher risk.
Family Health Context
Biden’s update follows public discussions about cancer within his family. In January 2023, former First Lady Jill Biden had a basal cell carcinoma surgically removed from above her right eye. Additionally, in an August 2025 interview with the BBC, Hunter Biden described his father’s condition as "very debilitating," noting that the cancer had spread to other parts of his body. He added that his father’s resilience, despite the challenges, was a source of inspiration for him.
Since leaving the White House in early 2025, Biden has maintained a relatively low public profile but has occasionally commented on political matters, including criticizing President Donald Trump over renovation projects in Washington during a June Democratic Party event.