Joe Biden health news: How serious is the ex-President's prostrate cancer as he says he will limit promoting his memoir 'Promise me America'

Former US President Joe Biden has shared an update on his health. He claimed that his cancer treatment has slowed him down as he prepares to release his upcoming memoir. At 83, Biden says his doctors remain encouraged by his response to treatment. However, he has acknowledged that his health will limit the number of public appearances he can make to promote Promise Me, America, due out on November 17. His son, Hunter Biden, has also spoken about the treatment, describing it as painful and physically demanding.

How serious is Joe Biden’s prostate cancer

Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer in May 2025, shortly after leaving the White House. By the time doctors discovered it, the disease had already spread to his bones.


In an interview with Times Radio, Hunter Biden said radiation and therapy helped control the prostate cancer, while hormone treatment is being used to address the cancer that has spread to his father's bones.

Hunter said his father's condition looks encouraging at present, but the treatment has taken a significant toll. He described it as “very debilitating,” adding that the disease has been painful and difficult for his father.

Biden also revealed that he recently spent a week visiting Hunter in California.

The former president had previously shared a health update during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September. He said his radiation treatment had worked as intended and thanked his medical team for their care.

Why is Biden limiting his memoir appearances?

Biden addressed his health directly in a Sunday post on X, explaining why he would not be able to attend as many book events as planned. “While writing the book, I was diagnosed with cancer, a disease known all too well to millions of Americans and their families,” Biden wrote.

“Some days are better than others. It hasn’t stopped me. But sometimes it slows me down. 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.”

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His memoir, Promise Me, America, is scheduled for release on November 17. Biden said the book looks back at his presidency, the decisions he made and the challenges his administration faced. He also described it as a reflection on American democracy and his faith in the country's people.

What has Biden said about early cancer detection?

During his September message, Biden urged men to get regular health checks. He noted that more than 330,000 men in the United States are expected to receive a prostate cancer diagnosis this year. “When prostate cancer is caught early, the five-year survival is close to 100%,” he wrote. Biden completed treatment for stage four cancer in October 2025. Despite the health challenges, he says he remains focused on finishing his memoir and continuing the activities that matter to him. The information is taken from WKYC and New York Post.