Biden is undergoing radiation therapy as prostate cancer care enters a new phase
Former US President Joe Biden is undergoing a new phase of treatment for an aggressive form of cancer that was diagnosed in May, a spokesman for former US President Joe Biden said on Saturday.
“As part of his prostate cancer treatment plan, President Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy and hormone therapy,” the former president’s spokesman said.
The radiation treatment is expected to last five weeks and represents a new point in his care, a source familiar with the matter told NBC News. He was already taking birth control pills for hormonal medications.
Last month, Biden, 82, He also underwent skin cancer treatment known as Mohs surgery. A large bandage on his forehead was visible in public appearances at the time.
After the procedure, his doctor wrote in a note that “all cancerous tissue was successfully removed” and that “no further treatment was needed.”
The former president announced in May that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had already spread to his bones.
His office said at the time that it was pursuing several treatment options to ensure “effective management” of the disease.
in Share on X After sharing his diagnosis, Biden said: “Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are stronger in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”
At the time, several oncologists told NBC News that given the nature of his cancer and the fact that it had already spread, Biden’s infection had likely gone undiagnosed for years.
Men his age are not usually screened for prostate cancer, with the American Cancer Society recommending that men in their 50s and 60s be screened every two years. It is unclear whether Biden was screened for prostate cancer during his last medical examination in office, which was conducted last year.
The former president, who turns 83 next month, is said to be in “good health.”
In 2023, while still in office, Biden had a skin lesion removed during a routine physical exam that later turned out to be cancerous. A doctor said at the time that no further treatment was needed.
Biden left the White House in January, just months after suspending his re-election campaign last year and endorsing the re-election of his running mate, Kamala Harris, instead.
His re-election campaign and the final months of his presidency were marred by allegations that he was too old to run again and that he was not mentally fit. The former president and his family have repeatedly denied these allegations.