Hunter Biden told the BBC on Friday that his father, former President Joe Biden, is living with cancer that has spread beyond its original site, describing the illness as “very debilitating” and “painful.” The comments add new detail to what the family and the former president’s office have disclosed about his health since a public diagnosis last year.
Family accounts and a timeline of care
In the interview, Hunter Biden spoke emotionally about his father’s condition and the toll it is taking on the family, saying it was “really hard” to watch. He told the British broadcaster that the cancer “has metastasized into his bones and further.”
“It’s really sad to watch. I wish he would complain more, because it’s not good. The cancer has spread, it has metastasized into his bones and further. It’s very painful, and it’s very debilitating in many respects, but he’s still out there and he’s still doing his thing.”
The family has previously shared details of the former president’s diagnosis and treatment. Public statements and media reporting outline the following milestones:
- May 2025: The former president’s personal office disclosed an aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis.
- September 2025: The Biden family said he completed a course of radiation therapy and hormone treatment, though it was not clear whether further care would be required.
- June (year not specified in the BBC interview): Former first lady Jill Biden told NBC’s TODAY show that Joe Biden would likely "live with cancer forever," citing the disease’s spread to the bones.
Context and public implications
Statements from close family members have provided much of the public information about the former president’s health. In his BBC interview, Hunter Biden also reflected on his family role and the emotional strain of watching a parent navigate serious illness, calling his father “our rock.”
Separately in the interview, Hunter Biden discussed a presidential pardon he received from his father before the end of the administration, which covered potential federal offenses dated from Jan. 1, 2014 through Dec. 1, 2024. At the time, Hunter Biden faced federal gun charges and had pleaded guilty to tax offenses; he described the pardon as “not fair” but said he was grateful for it.
What the family has said before
Members of the Biden family have previously acknowledged ongoing care and monitoring. In June, the former first lady indicated that because the cancer had reached his bones, it had become a chronic condition — a characterization echoed in Hunter Biden’s latest remarks. The former president’s office has provided selective, periodic updates but has not issued a detailed medical timeline in response to the BBC interview.
| Event | Date | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Prostate cancer diagnosis | May 2025 | Described as an aggressive form |
| Radiation and hormone therapy | September 2025 | Course completed; further care unclear |
| Family statement on long-term care | June (reported) | Jill Biden said he would likely live with cancer |
The former president also underwent surgery last year to remove cancerous skin cells, according to previous family disclosures.
Broader reactions and what to watch
Public reactions to health developments for prominent national figures often prompt requests for more frequent or detailed medical updates. At present, the information in the public record comes primarily from family statements and the former president’s office. Observers and supporters will likely watch for any formal medical statements or additional disclosures about treatment plans and prognosis.
For now, Hunter Biden’s account underscores the private difficulties faced by a family whose personal health struggles intersect with a high-profile public life. He emphasized both the severity of his father’s condition and the resilience the family sees in him: despite the progression of disease, he noted, the former president remains active.
