Former President Joe Biden’s prostate cancer has worsened since his diagnosis last year, as revealed by his son Hunter Biden during a BBC interview on Friday. Hunter described his father’s condition as ‘very painful’ and ‘very debilitating.’ He mentioned wishing his father would complain more, acknowledging the severity of the situation.
Biden, aged 83, first announced his diagnosis in May 2025, shortly after a ‘small nodule’ was discovered in his prostate during a routine medical exam. Despite the aggressive nature of the disease, it remains hormone-sensitive, which offers effective management options. Treatment options are being examined by the former president and his family in consultation with his doctors.
Biden underwent hormone therapy and radiation treatment at Penn Medicine Radiation Oncology in Philadelphia, finishing in October 2025. Common treatments for prostate cancer include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiopharmaceutical treatments. However, hormone therapy remains the primary approach.
Fox News Digital reached out to Biden’s office for further comments.
Understanding Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer originates in a man’s prostate gland. Recent data from the American Cancer Society indicates an increase in cases by approximately 3% annually from 2014 to 2021. Notably, advanced-stage prostate cancer cases rose by about 5% yearly during this period.
In 2026, an estimated 333,830 new prostate cancer cases are expected in the U.S., with about 36,320 anticipated deaths. About one in eight men will face a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, with the majority being above 65 years of age.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, following skin cancer. Older men, particularly those over 65, are at heightened risk, with the average age of diagnosis being 67. Men below 40 are infrequently diagnosed.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Routine screening often detects prostate cancer early, before symptoms arise. Typical early symptoms involve challenges with urination, including a weak or slow stream, or increased frequency. Blood might appear in urine or bodily fluids. More serious symptoms materialize as the cancer spreads, potentially causing pain in the hips, back, chest, and other regions, along with erectile dysfunction, weight loss, extreme fatigue, and loss of bladder or bowel control.
Screening and Recommendations
According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, men aged 55 to 69 should consider periodic prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screenings. Discussion with healthcare providers about the benefits and risks is advised.
While screening might reduce the mortality risk from prostate cancer, some men may face negative outcomes such as false positives or overtreatment. Alternative screening methods, including a non-invasive urine test, are under research and development.
Prostate Cancer Survival Rates
For localized prostate cancer, with the disease confined to the prostate, the five-year survival rate exceeds 99%. Regional cases, where the disease spreads to nearby structures or lymph nodes, also share a similar survival rate. If the cancer metastasizes further, the five-year survival rate drops to 37%. Survival rates depend on variables like the patient’s age, overall health, cancer progression, and treatment responses.
Melissa Rudy is a senior health editor at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].