Former U.S. President Joe Biden has revealed that he would have stepped down from the presidency and abandoned his 2024 re-election campaign if he had known that cancer was responsible for his health challenges at the time.
Biden made the revelation in a new interview with People magazine published on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, while reflecting on his presidency, health condition and decision to seek another term in office.
“If I had known that I was feeling lousy because I had cancer, I would have resigned. I would not have gone forward because I don’t think an 80-year-old man with cancer should be running,” Biden said.
He, however, maintained that he believed he had the capacity to continue serving as president and thought his experience and international relationships could provide additional support for the United States.
Biden Reflects on His Health and 2024 Campaign
The former president explained that he was unaware his cancer was responsible for how he had been feeling during his final years in office.
Biden also defended his decision to pursue another presidential term, arguing that he believed he remained capable of carrying out the responsibilities of the presidency.
His comments come amid continued discussions about his age, health and the circumstances surrounding his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race in July of that year.
Biden eventually ended his re-election campaign following mounting pressure from Democratic lawmakers and concerns about his performance, particularly after his debate against Donald Trump.
Former President Continues Cancer Treatment
Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer in May 2025, several months after leaving the White House. His medical team disclosed that the disease had spread to his bones.
In the latest interview, the 83-year-old former president discussed his ongoing treatment and expressed optimism about his condition.
He also reflected on his political legacy and the challenges of his presidency, maintaining that he believed he had much to contribute to American leadership. Biden’s latest revelation has brought renewed attention to his health, his decision to seek re-election and the circumstances surrounding his eventual withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race.
His comments are likely to keep public discussions alive about presidential age, medical transparency and the responsibilities of political leaders when making decisions about their ability to serve.
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