Former First Lady Jill Biden said Monday that former President Joe Biden will live with cancer for the rest of his life.
The disclosure provides a rare public update on the health of the former president, offering clarity on his condition as he navigates life after office.
Speaking with NBC Today co-host Craig Melvin in New York City, Jill Biden discussed the realities of being a primary caregiver [1]. She described the initial discovery of the illness as a "shocking moment" [2]. According to the former first lady, Joe Biden was diagnosed with stage 4, or metastatic, prostate cancer [3].
Reports indicate the diagnosis occurred in 2025 [4]. Stage 4 prostate cancer is characterized by the spread of the disease from the prostate gland to other parts of the body, such as the bones, or lymph nodes [3].
"Joe will live with cancer till the rest of his life," Jill Biden said [2].
The 74-year-old former first lady spoke about the emotional and physical toll of the disease [5]. She said the update was intended to inform the public about the former president's status and address concerns ahead of upcoming political events [6].
Throughout the interview, Jill Biden focused on the long-term nature of the illness and the ongoing management required for metastatic cancer. She said the importance of public awareness regarding the caregiver's role in managing chronic, life-threatening conditions is significant [5].
“"Joe will live with cancer till the rest of his life."”
The confirmation of a stage 4 diagnosis shifts the public understanding of Joe Biden's health from a manageable condition to a chronic, life-long illness. Because metastatic prostate cancer cannot be fully cured, the focus moves toward palliative care and life extension, which may influence how the former president engages with public and political life in the coming years.
