Former U.S. President Joe Biden is receiving radiation therapy as part of his ongoing treatment for prostate cancer, his spokesperson confirmed this week. The 82-year-old Democrat is also undergoing hormone therapy, though no additional details were disclosed regarding the regimen.
According to sources familiar with his care, the radiation therapy began a few weeks ago in Philadelphia and is expected to continue for five weeks. The new phase of treatment comes after Joe Biden’s office revealed in May that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive, high-grade form of prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, those close to the former president told U.S. media that he is “doing well and responding positively” to treatment.
Medical experts say a Gleason score of nine, which Joe Biden’s doctors reported, indicates a “high-grade” cancer with rapid growth potential. However, his medical team noted that the disease remains hormone-sensitive—an important factor that allows for targeted management through hormone and radiation therapies.
Joe Biden From White House to Health Watch
Biden’s diagnosis comes less than a year after he completed his term as the oldest serving U.S. president in history. Health concerns shadowed his presidency, ultimately influencing his decision to withdraw from the 2024 election race. His former vice president, Kamala Harris, went on to represent the Democratic Party in the general election but was defeated by current U.S. President Donald Trump, who is now serving his second term in office.
Since leaving office, Joe Biden has largely stepped back from the public spotlight. His most recent public engagement was a BBC interview in May, where he described his choice to end his campaign as “difficult but necessary.” Those close to him say his focus has shifted toward his health, family, and long-standing advocacy for cancer research—a cause deeply personal to him since losing his son Beau Biden to brain cancer in 2015.
Joe Biden has also been treated for skin cancer on two occasions, in 2023 and 2025. His health challenges have not diminished his influence as a public figure, particularly in the area of medical research and cancer awareness.
Joe Biden:A Lifelong Commitment to Cancer Research
Throughout his political career, Joe Biden has been a staunch advocate for advancing cancer treatment and prevention. In 2022, he and First Lady Jill Biden relaunched the “Cancer Moonshot” initiative—a national effort to reduce cancer deaths by at least four million by 2047. The program aims to strengthen collaboration among researchers, medical institutions, and public health agencies to accelerate breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis, and care.
Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers among men in the United States. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that approximately 13 in every 100 men will develop the disease during their lifetime, with age being the most significant risk factor.
As Joe continues his treatment, well-wishers from across the political spectrum have expressed support, acknowledging both his resilience and decades-long dedication to public service and health advocacy.
