A Personal and Public Journey: Joe Biden’s Health and New Memoir

Former President Joe Biden frequently speaks about his resilience in times of grief. His recent health update on Sunday echoed this theme, being one of his frankest admissions about the toll of the last 18 months. “Some days are better than others,” Biden shared in a post, adding, “It hasn’t stopped me. But sometimes it slows me down.”

The message primarily focused on his upcoming memoir. Biden announced the release of Promise Me, America, arriving on November 17th, detailing the challenges of his presidency and the decisions he made. The significant update was in the fourth paragraph, where he candidly noted, “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to do as many conversations about my book as I’d hoped due to cancer, but I’m hopeful the words on the page speak for themselves.”

This statement stands out, given Biden’s long career in politics built on conversations, lengthy Senate speeches, and public talks. As his presidency’s account releases, he acknowledges the book will mostly speak without his active promotion.

A Diagnosis After the Presidency

Biden’s cancer diagnosis came four months post-presidency. In May 2025, worsening urinary symptoms led him to seek medical attention, resulting in the discovery of a nodule on his prostate. By May 16, 2025, he learned it was prostate cancer, already metastasized to his bones. The announcement described it as “prostate cancer, Gleason score 9 (Grade Group 5) with bone metastasis.”

The Gleason score signifies cancer severity. Grades range by how much cancer cells diverge from normal ones, combining two grades to reach a score from 6 to 10. A score of 6 indicates slow growth, unlikely to spread. A score of 10 shows rapid growth, likely to spread. Biden’s 9 marks a serious diagnosis, within the aggressive Grade Group 5. Yet, there was some optimism, stating the cancer’s hormone-sensitivity allows effective management.

In response, the Bidens shared a message akin to a family motto: “Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned we are strongest in the broken places.”

Treatment in 2025 and Beyond

The latter part of 2025 saw Biden in treatment. By early September, after a video appeared showing a forehead wound, spokesperson Kelly Scully confirmed Biden underwent Mohs surgery for skin cancer removal. On October 11, treatment included radiation and hormone therapy. By October 20, Biden completed radiation therapy, celebrated by ringing the bell at Penn Medicine Radiation Oncology in Philadelphia. The bell symbolizes the end of a treatment round, not cancer’s eradication. Further treatment details remain unspecified.

Updates since then have been sporadic. In August 2026, Jill Biden described her husband’s condition as “okay,” stressing the necessity of regular monitoring. Hunter Biden later shared that the cancer had more severely metastasized, highlighting its debilitating nature. Biden himself noted radiation worked as intended.

Changing Tone and Expectations

Biden’s communication tone softened over time. On July 15, 2026, he excitedly announced the upcoming book release, coupled with reassurance about his cancer treatment’s progress. Initially planning a book tour, Biden’s post now speaks of adjusting promotional activities to fit “good days and bad days.” He explained the memoir’s significance, addressing election and retirement decisions, amidst health scrutiny criticism.

The memoir release is strategically post-midterm elections. It connects to previous works such as Promises to Keep (2007) and Promise Me, Dad (2017), highlighting personal stories, including Beau Biden’s battle with brain cancer.

Biden, nearing 84, concludes his message reflecting his father’s advice: “Champ, when you get knocked down, get up.” This personal lesson extends to a broader vision of America, emphasizing a shared belief in equality.