Joe Biden openly discussed his prostate cancer diagnosis for the first time, hinting at hope in his recovery while calling on Americans to remain resolute in the defense of democracy. At an event in Delaware on Friday, the former US president reassured the audience that his medical team is “very optimistic” regarding his condition.
“The hope is we’re going to be able to overcome this,” Biden said of his aggressive prostate cancer, which has been reported to have spread to his bones. He disclosed that he is receiving treatment, which now consists of a pill every day, and is being overseen by a specialist who beat prostate cancer himself thirty years ago.
Biden made the comments at a ceremony commemorating the deaths of US service members, connecting their sacrifice to a wider appeal for civic duty. “They are not calling on us to risk our lives,” he said. “They are calling on us to remain committed to what America is all about … to keep our country safe, in our time, now, to preserve democracy.
The speech also commemorated the 10th anniversary of his son, Beau Biden, who died of brain cancer at 46.
Although there was no direct reference to Donald Trump, Biden’s message came in the wake of continued fear over mounting threats to democratic institutions in the United States, which has been a clarion call he has used throughout his political life.
He also addressed the political fallout following his decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race, ultimately resulting in Trump’s return to the White House. Despite the outcome, Biden stood by his choices.
“No regrets,” he told reporters. “I’m very proud. I’ll put my record as president against any president at all.”
Biden ended by declaring that America stands at a critical “inflection point,” where future choices will determine the nation for the next two decades.
