Biden undergoing radiation for prostate cancer

Biden receiving radiation therapy for cancer

Former President Joe Biden has entered a new phase of treatment for an aggressive form of cancer diagnosed in May, a spokesperson said Saturday. As part of his treatment plan for prostate cancer, Biden is currently receiving radiation therapy and hormone treatments, the spokesperson confirmed. The course of radiation therapy is expected to last about five weeks.

Former President Joe Biden is receiving radiation and hormone therapy as part of a new phase of treating the aggressive form of prostate cancer he was diagnosed with after leaving office, a spokesperson said Saturday.

What they're saying:

"As part of a treatment plan for prostate cancer, President Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment," Biden aide Kelly Scully told The Associated Press. 

RELATED: Prostate cancer - symptoms, risk factors, and treatment

Joe Biden cancer diagnosis

FILE - Joe Biden is seen at Janssen's Market on September 7, 2025 in Wilmington, Delaware. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)

The backstory:

The 82-year-old left office in January after he had dropped his bid for reelection six months earlier following a disastrous debate against Republican Donald Trump amid concerns about Biden's age, health and mental fitness.

Then, in May of this year, Biden's postpresidential office announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and that it had spread to his bone. The discovery came after he reported urinary symptoms.

READ MORE: Joe Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive form' of prostate cancer

How severe is former Pres. Biden's prostate cancer?

LiveNOW's Andy Mac talks to Dr. Ash Tewari, chair of the Urology Department at Mount Sinai, about former President Joe Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis. His office posted this statement on social media on Sunday: "Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (grade group 5) with metastasis to the bone. While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management. The president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians."

Also:

Last month, Biden had surgery to remove skin cancer lesions from his forehead.

Prostate cancer

Big picture view:

Prostate cancers are graded for aggressiveness using what is known as a Gleason score. The scores range from 6 to 10, with 8, 9 and 10 prostate cancers behaving more aggressively. Biden’s office said his score was 9, suggesting his cancer is among the most aggressive.