Hunter Biden says his father’s cancer is ‘very painful and debilitating,’ and wishes Joe would complain more.
Hunter Biden has given a candid account of his father’s health, revealing that Joe Biden’s prostate cancer has spread further into his bones and is causing significant daily suffering.
Speaking to the BBC on Friday, Hunter described watching his father’s decline as genuinely difficult.
“The cancer has spread, metastasised into his bones and further,” he said. “It’s very painful and it’s very debilitating in many respects. It’s really sad to watch.”
He added that his father’s stoicism in the face of his illness was something he found both admirable and frustrating.
“The only thing that I’d say about my dad, about his health right now, is I wish he would complain more. Because it’s not good.”
Despite everything, Hunter said his father has not stopped caring about his country. “He’s still doing his thing. He so believes in this country.”
What we know about Biden’s diagnosis
Joe Biden, 83, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer in May 2025 after doctors discovered a prostate nodule following increasing urinary symptoms.
His office confirmed the cancer had a Gleason score of nine, the highest possible grade, placing it in Grade Group 5, meaning it is among the most aggressive forms of the disease. It had already spread to the bone at the time of diagnosis.
Biden has continued to make public appearances since his diagnosis, attending events in Maryland and Chicago earlier this summer, though Hunter’s account suggests the toll behind the scenes is considerable.
Jill Biden recently revealed she had flagged concerns about Joe’s health to White House physicians during his presidency, noticing he was getting up to use the bathroom as many as seven times a night, but said she never received a follow-up and assumed the issue had been addressed.
The cancer was not diagnosed until after they left the White House.
Symptoms of prostate cancer to look out for
Prostate cancer symptoms in its early stages can include needing to urinate more often, difficulty starting urination and waking frequently at night.
As the disease advances and spreads to the bones it can cause bone pain, back pain, extreme fatigue and unintentional weight loss. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is advised to consult a doctor promptly.
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