Joe Biden cancer concerns deepened after his son described the former president’s painful struggle in an emotional interview.
Former President Joe Biden’s prostate cancer has spread and is causing serious pain, according to his son, Hunter Biden. Hunter discussed his father’s condition during a wide-ranging BBC interview broadcast Friday.
The comments offered a rare personal account of how the illness affects Biden and his family. However, they did not come with a new medical report from the former president’s doctors.
Hunter Biden Describes Father’s Pain
Hunter said the cancer had spread into his father’s bones and beyond. He described the illness as painful and debilitating in several ways.
“It’s really sad to watch,” Hunter said, according to The Associated Press.
Hunter also said he wished his father would complain more about the pain. His remarks suggested that the former president often avoids discussing how difficult the illness has become.
The interview provided a family member’s description, not a full clinical update. Biden’s medical team has not publicly released detailed new information confirming every part of Hunter’s account.
Biden Announced Diagnosis in 2025
Joe Biden revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis in May 2025, less than four months after leaving the White House. Officials said at the time that doctors had found an aggressive form of the disease that had reached his bones.
Prostate cancer becomes more serious when it spreads beyond the prostate. Treatment can help control the disease, reduce symptoms and slow its growth, but each patient’s outlook differs.
Biden said in July that he was receiving treatment and that it was going well. He thanked Americans for their prayers, support and kind messages.
The former president is now 83. He was the oldest person to serve as president when he completed his term in January 2025.
Former President Remains Publicly Engaged
Despite the illness, Hunter said his father continues to speak about issues important to him. He described Biden as deeply committed to the country and determined to remain involved.
“He’s still doing his thing,” Hunter said during the interview.
Biden’s continued public activity comes as debate over his health and final years in office remains intense. Republicans and some Democrats have accused former White House advisers of hiding the extent of his physical and mental decline.
Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race after a heavily criticized debate performance against Donald Trump. Vice President Kamala Harris replaced him as the Democratic nominee but lost the election to Trump.
New Memoir Arrives After Midterms
Biden plans to publish a presidential memoir titled Promise Me, America on November 17, 2026. The release comes two weeks after the midterm elections.
The 480-page book will cover Biden’s presidency, his decision to seek reelection and his eventual withdrawal from the race. Publisher Little, Brown and Company also says the book will examine major domestic and international decisions.
Biden plans to give interviews and participate in a promotional tour. His health could affect how extensive those appearances become, although the publisher has not announced changes to the schedule.
A Difficult Moment for the Biden Family
Hunter’s interview shifted attention away from political arguments and toward the family’s private struggle. His emotional comments showed the toll of watching a parent face advanced cancer.
At the same time, Biden appears determined to continue writing and speaking publicly. His upcoming memoir may offer his fullest account yet of his presidency, health and decision to leave the 2024 race.
For now, Hunter’s remarks provide the clearest recent description of Biden’s pain. Any complete assessment of his condition will require an official update from the former president’s medical team.