Biden Shares Cancer Update Ahead of Memoir
The former president says prostate cancer treatment will limit his promotional appearances for his upcoming book.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Cancer
Joe Biden issued a health update through a statement on Instagram, saying his doctors remain encouraged by how he has responded to treatment for prostate cancer. He said the treatment means he cannot attend as many promotional events for his memoir, Promise Me, America, as originally planned.
Why it matters
The update clarifies why Biden has appeared at only a handful of public events this year and sets expectations for how he will promote his memoir. It also comes after Hunter Biden revealed that the cancer had spread to his father's bones.
The statement was issued by the 83-year-old former president through a personal Instagram account with nearly 16 million followers. Details of the treatment regimen and expected outcome were not disclosed in the update.
The players
Joe Biden
Joe Biden is the 46th president of the United States, who served from 2021 to 2025 and has since been treated for prostate cancer.
Hunter Biden
Hunter Biden is the son of Joe Biden, who publicly disclosed that the cancer had spread to his father's bones.
The details
Biden made a surprise appearance at USC Dornsife's Center for the Political Future in Los Angeles on November 2, 2026, before issuing the health update on November 8. He said he hopes the words in his memoir will speak for themselves in place of media interviews and speaking engagements.
Timeline
May 2025: Biden is diagnosed with prostate cancer, months after leaving office.
November 2, 2026: Biden makes a surprise appearance at USC Dornsife in Los Angeles.
November 8, 2026: Biden issues his health update on Instagram.
November 17, 2026: Promise Me, America is scheduled for release.
Health Landscape
Biden's May 2025 diagnosis of prostate cancer, months after leaving office, has been followed by a rare public account of his treatment and its effect on his public role. The update shows how a former head of state can manage a serious illness while keeping a book promotion on schedule.
Readers managing a serious diagnosis may see how treatment can limit daily commitments even when a patient remains active. The statement shows that a patient's health can shape public schedules and the way they reach audiences.
The takeaway
Serious illness can reshape public commitments, and patients often need to set clear limits on their schedules. Biden's statement shows how a patient can communicate those limits directly and still pursue meaningful work.
What happens next
Biden's memoir, Promise Me, America, is scheduled for release on November 17, 2026, when his promotional schedule will become clearer.
Further reading
Explore more cancer news and research as Joe Biden manages his treatment while preparing for his memoir release.
