Former President Joe Biden is now receiving radiation and hormone therapy as part of his ongoing treatment for prostate cancer, a spokesperson said Saturday.
The nation’s 46th president was diagnosed in May with a “more aggressive form of the disease” that had spread to his bones. The discovery was made after doctors found a “small nodule” on his prostate during a routine physical exam.
On Saturday, a spokesperson for the 82-year-old Democrat confirmed he’d begun a new phase in his care.
“As part of a treatment plan for prostate cancer, President Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment,” his aide Kelly Scully said.
The radiation is expected to take about five weeks, while he’s already been taking hormone medication in pill form.
Biden, who ended his bid for reelection in July 2024 amid growing concerns about his health and mental fitness, faced a higher risk of prostate cancer due to his age.
In an emotional social media post the day after his office announced the diagnosis, Biden thanked supporters and expressed his hope and determination to fight the disease.
“Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in our broken places,” he wrote next to a photo of himself, the former first lady and the family’s cat, Willow.
At the time of his announcement, several oncologists told NBC News that given the nature of Biden’s cancer and the fact that it had already spread of his bones, it was possible he’d gone undiagnosed for years.
Prostate cancers are graded for aggressiveness using what’s known as a Gleason score. , which range from 6 to 10. Biden’s office said his score was 9, suggesting his cancer is among the most aggressive.
Last month, Scully confirmed that Biden had also undergone surgery to remove skin cancer lesions. The procedure, known as Mohs surgery, involves removing layers of skin until no evidence of cancer remains.
With News Wire Services
