Former President Joe Biden has shared a candid update about his life amid his ongoing battle with stage 4 prostate cancer, revealing that while his doctors remain encouraged by his response to treatment, the illness has forced him to make some difficult adjustments.
The 83-year-old former president opened up about his health in a social media post on Sunday, November 8, ahead of the release of his highly anticipated presidential memoir, Promise Me, America.
© Bruce Glikas/WireImageBiden acknowledged that his cancer diagnosis has affected his energy levels and ability to maintain a busy schedule, particularly as he prepares to promote his new book. “My doctors continue to be encouraged by how I’ve responded to treatment,” Biden wrote on X. “Some days are better than others. It hasn’t stopped me. But sometimes it slows me down.”
Joe Biden Reveals How Cancer Is Affecting His Daily Life
Biden's latest health update comes nearly 18 months after he publicly disclosed his aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis in May 2025.
Although he has continued making occasional public appearances and participating in political discussions, the former president admitted that his health has made it increasingly difficult to commit to demanding professional engagements.
One of the biggest changes involves the promotional schedule for his upcoming memoir.
© GC ImagesBiden had hoped to participate in more conversations and events surrounding the book's release. However, his ongoing cancer treatment means those plans will be scaled back.
The former president explained that he would not be able to take part in as many discussions about the memoir as originally anticipated. Despite the disappointment, Biden expressed hope that readers would connect with the stories and experiences documented in the book.
What Is the Latest Update on Joe Biden's Stage 4 Prostate Cancer?
Biden's office first announced his cancer diagnosis on May 18, 2025, following medical examinations prompted by worsening urinary symptoms. Doctors discovered an aggressive form of prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9, classified as Grade Group 5.
Further testing revealed that the cancer had metastasized to his bones, meaning it had spread beyond the prostate. At the time, his office explained that although the disease was aggressive, it appeared to be hormone-sensitive, allowing doctors to pursue treatments designed to manage its progression.
© Getty ImagesBiden subsequently underwent radiation therapy and hormone treatment. In September 2026, he provided another update during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, revealing that radiation treatment he received the previous fall had worked as intended.
He also encouraged men to discuss prostate cancer screening with their healthcare providers and emphasized the importance of early detection.
Joe Biden's Family Opens Up About His Difficult Cancer Journey
While Biden has generally maintained an optimistic public outlook, members of his family have spoken more openly about the emotional and physical challenges surrounding his diagnosis.
His wife, former First Lady Jill Biden, discussed the seriousness of his condition during a June 2026 appearance on NBC's Today show. She explained that the cancer's spread to his bones had made the diagnosis particularly concerning. “I think Joe will live with cancer till the rest of his life,” Jill said.
© Getty ImagesThe former first lady also described the responsibilities of caring for a loved one undergoing cancer treatment, including monitoring medications, nutrition, and exercise.
Despite the difficulties, she emphasized that her husband remained active, traveling and participating in public events whenever possible.
Biden's son, Hunter Biden, has also spoken candidly about his father's condition. During a November 3, 2026, conversation with former CNN anchor Don Lemon, Hunter acknowledged the challenges of watching his father undergo treatment for advanced cancer. “He’s doing ok,” Hunter said, while explaining that the illness remained difficult.
Hunter revealed that his father had recently visited him in California, where the two spent time together and attended a speaking engagement at the University of Southern California.
© AFP via Getty ImagesAccording to Hunter, interacting with students and participating in meaningful conversations appeared to lift his father's spirits. He also shared that they had spent time with California Governor Gavin Newsom discussing politics and the future.
Biden's latest announcement also comes at a significant moment in his post-presidential life. His memoir, Promise Me, America, is scheduled for release on November 17, 2026, just three days before his 84th birthday.
© Getty ImagesThe book examines his four years as the 46th president of the United States, including major political challenges, important decisions, and his administration's approach to domestic and international affairs.
It also addresses the turbulent final chapter of his presidency, including his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential election.
