The prostate cancer suffered by former United States president Joe Biden continues to affect his health. His son Hunter Biden revealed that the disease “has spread, has metastasized to the bones and beyond,” he said in an interview broadcast by the BBC. “It is very painful and very debilitating in many ways.”
The son of the former president, 83 years old, was emotional when talking about the impact the disease has had on his father and family.
“It is very sad to see him,” he said. “The only thing I would say about my father, about his health right now, is that I wish he complained more, because he is not well.”
Despite the progression of the cancer, Hunter stated that the former head of state continues to participate in activities and speak publicly about issues he considers relevant. “He keeps doing his thing,” he said. “He firmly believes in this country.”
Joe Biden announced on May 18, 2025 that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, after doctors detected a nodule following an increase in urinary problems.
The disease had a score of 9 on the Gleason scale, used to measure the aggressiveness of prostate cancer. His office then reported that the tumor was hormone-sensitive, allowing for treatment options to proceed.
Subsequently, U.S. media reported that Biden had undergone radiotherapy and hormone therapy. In September, he also underwent surgery for skin cancer, a procedure he had previously faced in 2023.
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The former president has maintained some public activity during his treatment. According to one of the records collected, he participated in June in the inauguration of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
During the interview, Hunter also addressed the personal impact the disease has had.
“My father is, to this day, the center of our family,” he said, also describing him as “the best father, the best husband, the best grandfather.”
Joe Biden governed the United States between 2021 and 2025 and became the oldest president to hold office. His age and physical condition were under scrutiny during his term and gained special relevance during the 2024 presidential campaign.
He finally abandoned his re-election bid after his performance in a debate against Donald Trump, leaving the Democratic nomination in the hands of his then vice president, Kamala Harris.
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