Biden Undergoing Radiation, Hormone Treatment for Prostate Cancer

In May, the office of the 82-year-old former president announced he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

Former President Joe Biden speaks during the National Bar Association's 100th Annual Awards Gala in Chicago, on July 31, 2025. Nam Y. Huh, File/AP Photo

Former President Joe Biden has begun receiving a combination of radiation and hormone treatments for his prostate cancer, a spokesperson for the former president announced on Oct. 11.

In May, the office of the 82-year-old former vice president and president of the United States announced he was dealing with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, with a Gleason score of 9 and metastasis to the bone.

While serious, Biden’s office had announced in May that his condition was hormone-sensitive and could be effectively managed. After the initial cancer announcement in May, Biden’s office said his family was reviewing the available treatment options.

It appears the former president is now moving forward with a course of treatment.

“As part of a treatment plan for prostate cancer, President Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment,” Biden aide Kelly Scully said Saturday.

In September, Biden’s office said he had also undergone surgery to cut away cancerous skin cells.

Biden had a basal cell carcinoma—a common type of skin cancer—removed from his chest two years ago while he was still in office.

Cancer has impacted other members of the Biden family over the years.

Former First Lady Jill Biden had a basal cell carcinoma surgically removed from above her right eye, and a second basal cell carcinoma removed from the left side of her chest in early 2023.

The president’s son, Beau Biden, died in 2015 from brain cancer. The elder Biden has routinely linked his son’s brain tumor to exposure to toxic burn pits during military deployments over the years.

“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,” the former president wrote in a May 19 X post following the announcement of his prostate cancer diagnosis.

The president had launched a bid for reelection in 2024 on the Democratic Party ticket, but suspended his campaign on July 21, 2024, and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him. President Donald Trump went on to beat Harris and retake the White House.

Jacob Burg and The Associated Press contributed to this report