Behind former U.S. President Joe Biden’s public appearances, his family says he is facing a far more difficult reality as he battles advanced cancer.
In an emotional interview with the BBC, Biden’s son Hunter Biden revealed that the cancer has spread to his father’s bones, causing significant pain and weakness.
"The cancer has spread to the bones and beyond. It hurts a lot and it weakens you greatly," Hunter said. "It’s very sad to see. The only thing I can say about my dad is that I wish he’d complain more, because things are not good."
Despite his condition, Hunter said Biden remains committed to his public activities and continues to speak about issues important to him. "He still goes out, he still talks about the issues that matter to him. He believes so much in this country," Hunter said, describing his father as "the center of the family" and "the best father, husband and grandfather."
Biden’s cancer diagnosis was made public in May 2025, when his family announced that he had been diagnosed with high-grade, aggressive prostate cancer that had already spread to his bones. Doctors said at the time that the cancer was hormone-sensitive, allowing it to be treated and its progression slowed. Biden has since undergone hormone therapy and radiation while remaining under medical supervision.
His wife, former first lady Jill Biden, recently acknowledged the ongoing nature of the illness. "I think Joe will live with cancer for the rest of his life," she said, describing his treatment as a "daily and ongoing" struggle. The illness has particular resonance for the Biden family, which lost their son Beau Biden to brain cancer in 2015.
Hunter said one of the most difficult aspects of watching his father battle the disease is that Biden rarely complains about his pain.
"I wish he’d complain more," Hunter said. "He just keeps going."
Despite the challenges, those close to Biden say he continues to write his memoir, attend public events and speak out on issues he considers important. According to his family, the former president remains determined to stay active even as he confronts a serious illness away from the political spotlight.