Former President Joe Biden, 83, has revealed an emotional update on his ongoing battle with advanced prostate cancer, stating that the disease is now impacting his ability to engage in extensive public appearances. This health update, shared on Sunday, will lead to a scaled-back promotional schedule for his upcoming presidential memoir, "Promise Me, America," set for release on November 17.
"The cancer has spread, metastasized into his bones and further. It’s very painful, and it’s very debilitating in many respects." Hunter Biden, Son of Joe Biden.
In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, the former president acknowledged the physical challenges associated with his diagnosis while expressing optimism regarding his response to treatment. "While writing the book, I was diagnosed with cancer, a disease known all too well to millions of Americans and their families," Mr. Biden wrote. He explained that his medical team remains encouraged by his progress, despite his health becoming increasingly unpredictable. "Some days are better than others. It hasn’t stopped me. But sometimes it slows me down," Biden admitted in his statement.
The complications arising from his condition have necessitated a reduction in promotional activities for his memoir. "What that means is, unfortunately, I won’t be able to do as many conversations about my book as I’d hoped. However, I’m hopeful the words on the page speak for themselves," he conveyed.
Joe Biden first announced his prostate cancer diagnosis in 2025, several months after concluding his term in the White House. By the time doctors detected the disease, it had already progressed significantly, spreading beyond the prostate into his bones. During Prostate Awareness Month last month, Biden addressed his condition publicly, urging men to prioritize medical examinations and early detection. He emphasized the critical importance of early diagnosis, stating, "By the time we found it, it had already spread to my bones." He added, "When prostate cancer is caught early, the five-year survival is close to 100%," highlighting the stark difference in prognosis.
Despite the serious nature of his diagnosis, Mr. Biden has continued to pursue personal projects, including the completion of his memoir. He underwent radiation treatment in the fall of 2025, which he reported achieved its intended results. "The radiation treatment from last fall worked as intended, and I continue to do the things I care about, like finishing my memoir," he affirmed. He also extended gratitude to the medical professionals overseeing his care.
His son, Hunter Biden, offered a more somber assessment of his father’s health in August. "The cancer has spread, metastasized into his bones and further," Hunter Biden stated. "It’s very painful, and it’s very debilitating in many respects." These comments underscored the significant physical challenges the former president faces as he manages the disease. Nevertheless, Joe Biden has consistently maintained that his diagnosis will not deter him from remaining engaged with issues and projects he deems important.
The forthcoming memoir, "Promise Me, America," is expected to provide an in-depth account of his four years in the White House. Biden indicated the book will explore the challenges his administration confronted and the significant decisions he made as president. "It covers my years as President. The challenges we faced, the decisions I made, and why I made them," he explained. According to reports, the memoir also delves into America’s identity, its democratic institutions, and its responsibilities on the international stage. "More than anything, it’s about my faith in the American people and the great American experiment in self-governance and democracy," Biden stated, emphasizing his perspective on the nation's core values.
The release of his memoir follows several months after former First Lady Jill Biden published her own book, "A View from the East Wing," in June. While Joe Biden had initially envisioned a more extensive promotional campaign for his book, his recent health update indicates that such plans will now be significantly curtailed. He has not provided a specific schedule for future appearances or indicated the exact number of events he anticipates attending.
For the immediate future, Mr. Biden remains focused on his treatment and recovery while preparing for the release of what promises to be a deeply personal reflection on his presidency. His latest public message balanced an acknowledgment of the difficulties he confronts with an unwavering expression of determination to persevere despite them.
