Health Care · Report · File No. 261109-507
Biden says 'some days are better than others' in cancer update, will do fewer interviews
Former President Joe Biden said his prostate cancer sometimes slows him down and that he will do fewer conversations about his memoir, out Nov. 17. He also said his doctors are encouraged by how he has responded to treatment.
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Former President Joe Biden gave a plain update on his health Sunday in a post on X. "Some days are better than others," he wrote. "It hasn't stopped me. But sometimes it slows me down." 1
Most of the message was about his book. Biden wrote that his presidential memoir, Promise Me, America, "is coming out on November 17th." He said it covers "the challenges we faced, the decisions I made, and why I made them." 1
The news came in the fourth paragraph. Because of the cancer, Biden wrote, he won't be able to do as many conversations about the book as he had hoped. 1
Some days are better than others
What is known about his illness
Biden's office announced on May 18, 2025, that he had prostate cancer that had spread to the bone. It described the cancer as having a Gleason score of 9, which is the second-highest score on a scale that runs from 6 to 10. The Gleason score grades how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope. 1
That same statement also said the cancer appeared to be hormone-sensitive, "which allows for effective management." On Oct. 20, 2025, a spokesperson confirmed that Biden had finished a course of radiation therapy at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia. 1
Ringing the bell at the end of treatment does not mean the disease is gone, Newsweek noted. The spokesperson would not say what treatment might come next. 1
Family updates this year
In August, Hunter Biden told the BBC that his father's cancer had spread to his bones "and further." He called it "very painful" and "very debilitating in many respects." 12
Jill Biden said that month that her husband is "doing okay," but that "he will forever live with cancer." She said the family must be mindful of it with testing and medicines every three months. 1
In his new message, Joe Biden wrote that his doctors "continue to be encouraged by how I've responded to treatment." In September he wrote that last fall's radiation "worked as intended." 1
What happens next
The book goes on sale Nov. 17, three days before Biden turns 84 on Nov. 20. In July, a spokesperson for the publisher, Little, Brown, told the Associated Press that Biden planned a book tour and interviews. Sunday's message suggests that schedule will be smaller. 1
The book is also likely to draw scrutiny. In July, Biden said it would explain why he chose to run for reelection and why he stepped aside. Critics from both parties have questioned whether Biden and those around him were candid about his health in office. His team has denied any cover-up. 1
That matters beyond one family. Prostate cancer is common among older men, and Biden's public account shows what long-term treatment can look like: regular testing, ongoing medicine and good days mixed with hard ones. 1
The Record
- Biden's office announces prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9 that has spread to the bone 1
- A spokesperson says Biden has completed a course of radiation therapy 1
- Hunter Biden tells the BBC the cancer has spread into his father's bones and further 2
- Biden says he will do fewer book conversations because of the cancer 1
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Sources
- Newsweek, “Joe Biden Gives Cancer Update: 'Some Days Are Better Than Others'” (2026-11-09). newsweek.com/joe-biden-gives-cancer-update-some-days-are-bet
- AP via WBTV, “Joe Biden's prostate cancer has spread to other parts of his body and is causing him pain, son says” (2026-08-08). wbtv.com/2026/08/08/joe-bidens-prostate-cancer-has-spread-ot
Found an error? Tell the newsroom. Corrections are noted at the top of the story.
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