The prostate cancer of former U.S. President Joe Biden has progressed to metastasize in the bones and other parts of the body, causing him intense and debilitating pain, according to his son Hunter Biden in an interview aired by BBC Newsnight on Friday night.
Hunter was visibly moved when describing his father's condition, who is 83 years old, and did not hide the seriousness of the situation. "The cancer has spread, it has metastasized in his bones and beyond. It is very painful and, in many ways, very debilitating," he stated.
The words of the former president's son represent the most recent public update on his health and reveal a significant progression since the initial diagnosis of prostate cancer, made public in May 2025, less than four months after Biden left the White House.
At that time, the office of the former president reported that it was a cancer with a Gleason score of 9—the highest level on the aggression scale—with bone metastasis, although it was initially described as hormone-sensitive, which opened the possibility of a response to hormonal treatment.
In October 2025, Biden completed a round of radiation therapy as part of his treatment, a spokesperson confirmed to CNN at that time. Hunter's statements this week indicate that the illness has progressed significantly since then.
"It's really sad to see him. The only thing I would say about my dad, about his health right now, is that I wish he would complain more, because he’s not doing well," Hunter stated, clearly affected.
Despite his physical decline, the former president's son emphasized that his father remains interested in public affairs. "He continues to do his thing. He deeply believes in this country," he said.
Biden was the oldest president to hold office in the history of the United States, and his health status generated increasing controversy during his term. The disastrous presidential debate in June 2024 against Donald Trump hastened his withdrawal from the reelection race weeks later, amid accusations that his inner circle had concealed the extent of his problems.
The interview with the BBC also covered the controversial pardon that Biden granted to his son in December 2024, which was full and unconditional, for federal charges of illegal possession of firearms and tax evasion. Hunter acknowledged that the decision "was not good" for the country or for his father's legacy, and he stated that they had not discussed the matter before it was granted.
"Was it good for our Constitution? Was it good for the American people? Was it good for my father's legacy? No. In every respect. It was not," he admitted.
Hunter also dismissed any personal political ambitions and described himself as "the most privileged person that exists" in reference to the pardon he received.
As his health declines, Biden is preparing to publish his presidential memoirs. The book, titled "Promise Me, America", is scheduled to be released on November 17, 2026, two weeks after the midterm elections, and will cover topics ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to his decision to withdraw from the presidential race in 2024.
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