Joe Biden gives heartbreaking update about his battle with cancer: ‘It slows me down’

Former President Joe Biden has provided an update on his prostate cancer diagnosis, saying the disease has “slowed him down” and he’ll only be able to make limited appearances to promote his upcoming presidential memoir.

Biden’s memoir, Promise Me, America, is scheduled for release on Nov. 17 and covers his four years as president, the challenges his administration dealt with, the decisions he made, and why he made them. “More than anything, it’s about my faith in the American people and the great American experiment in self-governance and democracy,” he said.

Biden, who served as the 46th president of the United States from 2021 to 2025, announced his cancer diagnosis last year after concluding his term at the White House. In a post on X, he shared that his doctors “continue to be encouraged” by his response to treatment, though he acknowledged that “some days are better than others.”

“While writing the book, I was diagnosed with cancer, a disease known all too well to millions of Americans and their families,” Biden, 83, wrote. “Some days are better than others. It hasn’t stopped me. But sometimes it slows me down.”

How is Biden’s health holding up so far?

Biden’s personal office released a statement to CNN on May 18 that detailed his cancer diagnosis, which . “Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms,” it read. “On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.” The statement continued, “While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management.”

Biden completed his treatment for stage four cancer in October 2025. Hunter Biden described his father’s condition as “very debilitating.” In an interview with the BBC last August, Hunter explained, “The cancer has spread—it has metastasized into his bones and beyond. It’s extremely painful and debilitating in many respects.”

Nonetheless, Biden said his illness will limit his ability to promote his memoir. “What that means is, unfortunately, I won’t be able to do as many conversations about my book as I’d hoped. However, I’m hopeful the words on the page speak for themselves,” he added. Biden also thanked people who have sent prayers and well wishes to him and his family. He said their support had meant a great deal to him, his wife Jill Biden and their family.

Biden ended his post with a message from his father, recalling the advice: “Champ, when you get knocked down, get up. It’s a good lesson for me. And for America,” he wrote. “We are blessed. America is the most unique nation on earth. Unlike other countries, we’re built on an idea. An idea bigger than any ocean, more powerful than any army, stronger than any tyrant or dictator. That idea? All of us are created equal,” Biden concluded. “Promise Me, America, we’ll never forget it.”