Hunter Biden Says Father's Cancer Has Metastasized to Bones
In a BBC interview aired Friday, Hunter Biden disclosed that his father's prostate cancer has continued to spread beyond its initial diagnosis. The former president, now 83, was diagnosed in May 2025 with an aggressive stage 4 prostate cancer that had already metastasized to his bones at that time. Hunter described the condition as very painful and debilitating, saying he wished his father would complain more about the suffering. Despite his health challenges, Biden has continued making public appearances and speaking engagements, including a recent Democratic Party gala in Maryland. Hunter appeared emotional discussing the situation, calling it sad to watch, while emphasizing his father's resilience and commitment to the country. The former president's office has not disclosed additional details about the current extent of the disease.
Key facts
- Joe Biden was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in May 2025, four months after leaving office
- The initial diagnosis showed a Gleason score of 9, indicating aggressive cancer that had already spread to bones
- Hunter Biden disclosed in an August 2026 BBC interview that the cancer has since metastasized further beyond the bones
- Biden underwent hormone treatment and radiation therapy following his initial diagnosis
- The 83-year-old former president has continued public speaking engagements despite his condition
- Biden received a full pardon from his father in December 2024, covering federal gun and tax charges
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning outlets highlighted Hunter's emotional disclosure and his father's continued resilience despite serious illness, emphasizing Biden's dedication to public service. Coverage stressed the family's perspective and Hunter's gratitude for his father's support, framing the interview as a personal and touching account.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning outlets underscored the severity of the cancer diagnosis and raised questions about transparency during Biden's presidency. Some coverage questioned whether the cancer existed while he was in office and whether his advisers concealed health information from the public.
Limits of this briefing
Hunter Biden did not specify exactly where the cancer has spread beyond bones, and the former president's office declined to provide additional medical details. The interview focused on Hunter's personal perspective rather than official medical updates.
Sources
- CNBC: Hunter Biden says Joe Biden's cancer has spread further and is 'very painful' Centre
- CBS News: Hunter Biden says his father's cancer has spread: 'It's very painful and it's very debilitating' Centre
- Fox News: Joe Biden's cancer has spread further, leaving him in 'very painful' condition, Hunter reveals Right
- PBS NewsHour: Joe Biden's prostate cancer has spread and is causing him pain, Hunter Biden says Centre
- Al Jazeera: 'Debilitating': Hunter Biden speaks out about father Joe Biden's cancer Centre