Former President Joe Biden's prostate cancer has spread to his bones, his son Hunter Biden disclosed in a recent BBC interview. Hunter Biden characterized his father's condition as "very painful" and "very debilitating in many respects," adding, "It’s really sad to watch."

Joe Biden, 83, announced his prostate cancer diagnosis in May 2025, following the discovery of a "small nodule" during a routine examination. At the time, his office stated that while the cancer was an aggressive form, it appeared to be hormone-sensitive, allowing for effective management. He and his family were reportedly reviewing treatment options with physicians.

Following the diagnosis, Biden underwent hormone therapy and radiation treatment, completing a course of radiation at Penn Medicine Radiation Oncology in Philadelphia in October 2025, according to his spokesperson.

Prostate cancer is a disease affecting men, originating in the prostate gland. Recent data from the American Cancer Society indicates a rise in cases, with an approximate annual increase of 3% in overall incidence between 2014 and 2021. During the same period, rates of advanced-stage prostate cancer rose by about 5% per year.

For 2026, the American Cancer Society projects approximately 333,830 new prostate cancer diagnoses in the U.S., with an estimated 36,320 deaths from the disease. Lifetime diagnosis risk for prostate cancer is about one in eight men.

The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age; six in 10 cases are diagnosed in men aged 65 and older, with the average age at diagnosis being 67. Men under 40 are rarely affected. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, surpassed only by skin cancer.

When prostate cancer is detected through routine screening, it is often caught before symptoms appear. Potential early signs include difficulties with urination, such as a weak or slow stream, or an increased urinary frequency. Some individuals may also observe blood in their urine or bodily fluids.

Symptoms of more advanced prostate cancer can emerge after the disease has spread. These may include pain in the hips, back, chest, or other areas, according to the American Cancer Society. Other potential advanced symptoms encompass erectile dysfunction, weight loss, extreme fatigue, weakness in the legs or feet, or loss of bladder or bowel control.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men aged 55 to 69 have the option to undergo periodic prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening. The task force advises that men should discuss the potential benefits and harms of screening with a clinician to make an informed decision based on their values and preferences.

While screening can offer a small potential benefit in reducing the chances of dying from the disease, the agency notes that potential negative effects include false-positive results, overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and complications from treatment.

Survival rates for prostate cancer vary. For localized cases contained within the prostate, the five-year survival rate is at least 99%. For regional cases, where the cancer has spread to nearby structures or lymph nodes, the five-year survival rate is also 99% or greater. If the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, the five-year survival rate decreases to 37%. Actual survival rates can be influenced by factors such as patient age, overall health, disease progression post-diagnosis, and response to treatment.