Jill Biden Discusses Joe Biden’s Cancer Journey
Former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden provided an update regarding her husband, former President Joe Biden, and his cancer condition. She revealed that at 83 years old, he will live with cancer for the rest of his life. While he maintains a busy schedule, she noted that it has begun to slow down.
In a chat with political commentator Ana Navarro for her memoir, “A View from the East Wing: A Memoir,” Jill shared that when Joe was president, he had constant medical supervision. She mentioned that he would get up multiple times at night, needing assistance to monitor his health.
However, after leaving the White House in 2025, the situation didn’t improve. She urged him to visit a urologist, and during that initial appointment, the doctor discovered an issue, leading to a CAT scan.
“I never imagined it would turn into prostate cancer,” she confessed, admitting her shock at the diagnosis.
Jill explained that while some cases of prostate cancer can be treated, Joe’s situation is more severe, classified as stage 4 and has spread to his bones. This means he will require ongoing medication to continue battling the illness.
He also underwent radiation therapy, commuting regularly from their Delaware home to Philadelphia for five weeks. “It takes a toll,” she reflected, highlighting his commitments like attending a Democratic Party event in South Dakota on Friday, going to a friend’s wedding the next day, and plans to be in Philadelphia Sunday.
She asserted, “He’s staying on schedule, but he’s slowed down.” At his age and with stage 4 cancer, the combination of treatments and medications has made life challenging.
Addressing how they manage the situation, Jill described the responsibilities she bears in terms of his medication and appointments. “I handle the details,” she said, ensuring that he eats well and stays on track with his health care.
Joe Biden first made his cancer diagnosis public in May 2025. Recently, Jill reassured viewers on “Today” that he is “fine.” She remarked that despite having stage 4 cancer, he’s still active, traveling and giving speeches.
During the discussion, Jill also touched on various themes in her book, including Joe’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 campaign following a particularly tough debate. Reflecting on their conversations, she recalled an encounter in Delaware where someone expressed, “I have no other choice.”
Jill mentioned feeling hurt as some people she considered allies publicly suggested Joe should step back from the race. However, there was a reconciliation with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at a recent funeral, which she noted is still incomplete as she hasn’t directly spoken with Pelosi since.
Moreover, she raised concerns about a perceived “double standard” regarding public discussions about her husband’s age compared to former President Trump, who will soon be 80. Regardless, she conveyed a desire for the next president to embody integrity and empathy—a quality she sees as essential to American values.
