Former President Joe Biden has recently completed a significant round of radiation therapy aimed at treating an aggressive form of prostate cancer. This milestone marks a positive step in his ongoing treatment journey, although it does not indicate the conclusion of his medical care. A spokesperson for Biden confirmed to CBS News on Monday that the former president, who is set to celebrate his 83rd birthday next month, has successfully finished several weeks of radiation therapy at Penn Medicine Radiation Oncology in Philadelphia.
The Biden team first revealed on October 11 that the former president had been undergoing radiation treatment for prostate cancer. On Monday, he celebrated this achievement by ringing a bell, a common practice in cancer treatment centers to signify the completion of therapy. Biden's spokeswoman, Kelly Scully, stated, "He rang the bell today." In a heartfelt moment, Ashley Biden, the former president's daughter, shared a video on Instagram showcasing her father ringing the bell, captioned, "Rung the bell! Thank you to the incredible doctors, nurses, and staff at Penn Medicine. We are so grateful!"
Additional photos shared by Ashley depict the former president with a medical professional and another with former First Lady Jill Biden and two of their grandchildren, emphasizing family support during this challenging time. She expressed her admiration, stating, "Dad has been so damn brave throughout his treatment. Grateful."
It is essential to note that while ringing the bell is a sign of progress, it remains uncertain whether Biden will require further treatment. Medical professionals typically assess a patient's recovery in the weeks following the completion of cancer therapy. In May, Biden publicly disclosed that he was diagnosed with an advanced stage of prostate cancer that had metastasized, or spread, to his bones. This announcement raised significant concern and led to renewed discussions regarding his health and any potential undisclosed medical issues during his presidency.
According to a statement from Biden's office in May, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating a severe risk due to its aggressive nature. The Gleason scoring system helps classify cancer based on how much cancer cells differ from normal cells, with lower scores indicating less aggressive forms of cancer. A score of 9 is considered among the highest, placing Biden in the most aggressive risk category.
Prostate cancer ranks as the second-most common cancer affecting men, as reported by the Cleveland Clinic. The most significant risk factor for developing this condition is age. Various treatment options are available for prostate cancer, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, and hormone treatment. Notably, Biden underwent a separate procedure for skin cancer in September 2025, utilizing Mohs surgery, which involves the layer-by-layer removal of skin until only cancer-free tissue remains.
Despite his health challenges, the former president remains active and is occasionally seen in Washington, where he maintains an office. He also travels aboard Amtrak trains to and from his home in Delaware. Biden has started fundraising efforts and is planning for a future library and museum dedicated to documenting his time in the White House, indicating his commitment to public service and legacy.
