Former President Joe Biden is undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment in a bid to combat prostate cancer, a spokesperson has confirmed to CBS News. This information comes as part of a wider disclosure on the health status of the former president, who has been battling an “aggressive form” of the cancer since his diagnosis in May 2025.
A source with close ties to Biden informed CBS News that despite the serious nature of his condition, the former president is responding well to treatment and maintaining a positive outlook. The treatment, which began a few weeks ago, is ongoing and is being administered in Philadelphia, where Biden is currently residing.
The former president’s prostate cancer diagnosis was a significant cause for concern due to the nature of the disease. According to an official statement, Biden’s cancer was characterized by a Gleason score of 9, which is the second highest possible score within the grading system. This score is indicative of the cancer’s severity and the likelihood of it spreading – a higher score suggests a more aggressive form of the disease. The Gleason score was determined following the discovery of a small nodule in Biden’s prostate.
For context, Gleason scores are a widely recognized grading system used to assess the severity of prostate cancer. The system assigns a score based on how much the cancer cells resemble normal cells – the lower the grade, the more the cancer cells look like normal cells. A score of 9, as in Biden’s case, is just one grade shy of the maximum score of 10, and places him in the highest risk category, as CBS News reported previously.
Prostate cancer is an extremely common form of cancer among men, second only to skin cancer. Facts published by the Cleveland Clinic indicate that age is the most common risk factor for the disease. There are several treatment options available for prostate cancer, including radiation, chemotherapy, surgery and hormone treatment, the latter two of which are currently being employed in Biden’s case.
In addition to his battle with prostate cancer, Biden has also had a previous encounter with skin cancer. Two years prior to his current treatment, while still in office, Biden had a small skin lesion with cancerous tissue excised from his chest during his annual physical checkup. Subsequent tests confirmed that the lesion was basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer.
In September 2025, the former president underwent a skin cancer surgery known as Mohs surgery. This surgery is a meticulous process where thin layers of skin are removed one by one until only cancer-free tissue remains in the affected area. This procedure, which is often used to treat skin cancers, was successful in Biden’s case.
This news adds to the already considerable health struggles that Biden has faced over the years. However, his resilience in the face of adversity has been a consistent theme throughout his life. His current battle with prostate cancer is no exception. Despite the severity of his condition, those close to him have reported that he is responding well to treatment and maintaining a positive outlook.
The news of Biden’s cancer treatments, which were first reported by NBC News, have sparked an outpouring of support from the public. Many have admired his courage and determination in the face of such a serious diagnosis. With the former president actively undergoing treatment, the world watches and hopes for his recovery.
In the larger context of public health, Biden’s diagnosis highlights the importance of regular health checkups and early detection of diseases. His situation serves as a reminder that even the most powerful individuals are not immune to health problems. It also underscores the need for ongoing medical research and advances in treatment options for diseases like cancer.
In conclusion, Joe Biden’s ongoing battle with prostate cancer is a topic of national concern. His treatments, which include radiation therapy and hormone treatment, are being closely monitored. Despite the severity of his condition, Biden’s positive response to treatment offers a beacon of hope. We are reminded that with early detection, appropriate treatment, and a positive outlook, the battle against cancer can be won.
