Hunter Biden has shared new details about former US President Joe Biden’s prostate cancer, saying the disease has spread and is causing substantial pain and physical limitations. The comments provide a rare family account of Biden’s health since his diagnosis was disclosed in May 2025.
Former US President Joe Biden’s prostate cancer is causing considerable pain and physical difficulty, according to his son Hunter Biden.
Speaking during a BBC interview, Hunter said the cancer had metastasised into his father’s bones and “further,” although he did not identify any additional organs or tissues affected.
He described the condition as “very painful and very debilitating in many respects” and became emotional while discussing its effect on the family.
No updated clinical report detailing the extent of the disease has been publicly released by Biden’s medical team. Hunter’s comments therefore represent a family update rather than a formal medical assessment.
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Biden’s Diagnosis Revealed Aggressive Metastatic Disease
Joe Biden publicly disclosed his diagnosis in May 2025, less than four months after leaving the White House. His office said he had prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9 and Grade Group 5, indicating an aggressive form of the disease.
The cancer had already spread to his bones when the diagnosis was announced. His office also said that the tumor appeared to be hormone-sensitive, potentially allowing it to respond to treatments that reduce testosterone or block its effects on cancer cells.(2✔ ✔Trusted Source
Prostate Cancer and Bone Metastases: The Underlying Mechanisms
A high Gleason score describes how abnormal and aggressive cancer cells appear under a microscope. It does not, by itself, determine an individual patient’s outlook, which also depends on the cancer’s distribution, treatment response and overall health.
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Bone Metastases Can Cause Severe Pain and Complications
Prostate cancer commonly spreads to the bones when it reaches an advanced stage. Bone metastases can cause persistent pain, reduced mobility, fractures and, in some cases, compression of the spinal cord.
Pain may develop when metastatic tumors disrupt normal bone structure or affect surrounding nerves and tissues. Its severity can vary depending on the number, size and location of the affected areas.
Treatment may involve systemic cancer therapy, pain medicines, radiation directed at painful lesions and medications intended to reduce bone complications. Care is tailored to the patient’s symptoms, general health and response to treatment.
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Hormone Sensitivity Can Expand Treatment Options
Hormone-sensitive metastatic prostate cancer can often be controlled for a period with androgen-deprivation therapy and other medicines that interfere with male hormones used by prostate cancer cells.
Depending on the patient, clinicians may combine hormone treatment with chemotherapy, androgen-receptor-targeted medicines or other therapies. Radiation may also be used to relieve pain or address specific bone lesions.
Hormone sensitivity does not mean the disease is minor or cured. It means that physicians have treatment options capable of slowing its progression and managing its symptoms.(1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Many Men with Metastatic Prostate Cancer Are Not Getting the Recommended Treatments, Study Finds
Cancer Pain Requires Individualized Support
Pain associated with bone metastases can have a major effect on sleep, movement, independence and emotional well-being. Effective care may require cooperation among oncologists, radiation specialists, pain physicians and palliative-care teams.
Palliative care can be provided alongside active cancer treatment. Its purpose is to reduce pain and other symptoms while supporting the patient’s physical, emotional and practical needs.(1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Many Men with Metastatic Prostate Cancer Are Not Getting the Recommended Treatments, Study Finds
Hunter said he wished his father would speak more openly about his discomfort, suggesting that Biden continues to limit how much he publicly discusses his illness.
Biden Remains Publicly Engaged Despite His Illness
Despite the physical toll described by his son, Biden has continued to make public appearances and speak about issues important to him. Hunter portrayed his father as determined to remain engaged rather than withdraw entirely from public life.
The former president is also reportedly preparing a memoir titled Promise Me, America, expected to be published after the US midterm elections.
Biden was 82 when his diagnosis was disclosed and is now 83. His age and health had previously attracted extensive scrutiny during his presidency and the 2024 election campaign, which he ultimately left before completing his re-election bid.
Family Update Does Not Replace a Medical Report
Hunter Biden’s comments offer insight into the family’s experience but provide limited clinical information about the disease’s current extent, treatment response or prognosis.
Without an updated statement from Biden’s medical team, it is not possible to determine precisely what Hunter meant by the cancer spreading “further.” Any conclusions about progression beyond the bones should therefore remain attributed to his remarks rather than treated as independently confirmed medical findings.
References:
- Many Men with Metastatic Prostate Cancer Are Not Getting the Recommended Treatments, Study Finds- (https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2025/metastatic-prostate-cancer-combination-treatments)
- Prostate Cancer and Bone Metastases: The Underlying Mechanisms- (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31137764/)
Source-Medindia