Joe Biden Undergoing Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer as Trump Gets Clean Bill of Health
Former President Joe Biden has begun a five-week radiation therapy regimen for an aggressive form of prostate cancer, his office confirmed Saturday.
Biden, 82, had already been taking hormone-based medication, but the newly introduced radiation marks a more intensive phase of treatment, a spokesperson told NBC News. Despite the increased measures, his team says the former president is “doing well.”
The development comes as Biden continues to maintain a notably low profile following his withdrawal from the 2024 race earlier this year, prompted by widespread concerns over his mental sharpness and physical health. Those questions intensified after a disastrous debate performance, ultimately forcing him to abandon his reelection bid.
In recent weeks, Biden has reportedly remained in contact with high-profile Democratic figures, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, who stood by him publicly last year, as well as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders, according to The Washington Post.
The 46th president, who will turn 83 next month, also underwent a separate procedure in September to remove skin cancer cells.
Biden’s cancer diagnosis was first disclosed in May. His team described it as an aggressive form of prostate cancer requiring consistent medical management.
Contrast with Trump’s Health Update
News of Biden’s radiation therapy came just hours after President Donald Trump received a glowing health report from his own medical team at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
According to White House physician Sean Barbabella, a Navy captain, Trump remains in “exceptional health” after undergoing his semi-annual physical on Friday. The 79-year-old president received both his annual flu shot and a COVID-19 booster ahead of his upcoming trip to Israel and Egypt, where he’s expected to mark the end of the Gaza conflict and oversee a hostage release agreement.
Barbabella noted that Trump’s cardiac age — a measure combining various heart-related risk factors — is about 14 years younger than his actual age, citing strong metabolic, neurological, and pulmonary indicators.
Trump’s visit was described as a “scheduled follow-up evaluation” and part of his long-term health maintenance plan. It follows a prior diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency in July, a condition that contributed to mild swelling in his lower legs. His team reports that the issue is under control.
While one former president enters a more serious phase of cancer care, the current commander in chief continues to project strength on the world stage — and shows no signs of slowing down.