In a candid interview with PEOPLE published on November 5, former President Joe Biden revealed his thoughts on his health and ambitions in light of his recent cancer diagnosis. Speaking from his home in Wilmington, Delaware, Biden discussed the implications of having been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer while in office, asserting that he would have exited the presidential race had he known earlier about his condition.
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Reflecting on the situation, the 83-year-old Biden stated, “What I can’t say…if I had known that I was feeling lousy because I had cancer, I would have resigned.” He expressed that he believes an 80-year-old man should not be campaigning for the presidency while dealing with serious health issues. Despite these revelations, he maintained that he was the most qualified person for the job during his presidency.
The former president’s acknowledgment of his health struggles comes as he prepares to release a memoir titled “Promise Me, America,” which is set to hit shelves on November 17. In May 2025, he publicly announced his cancer diagnosis, which he described as having metastasised to his bones, just 118 days following the end of his term in office. Biden has shown an indomitable spirit in confronting his illness, stating in his memoir, “All I can do — with the help of an incredible medical team and an even better family — is fight like hell.”
During his discussion with PEOPLE, Biden shared some insights about his current health status. He expressed optimism, noting that recent tests indicated the cancer has not spread beyond its initial sites. “It looks very positive,” he remarked, adding that many patients with his type of cancer live for decades. His treatment regimen includes taking eight different medications daily.
When probed about how his undiagnosed cancer might have influenced his presidential duties, Biden replied that he did not feel the pressures typically associated with the role. “I never felt the toll… I didn’t find it that way,” he asserted. Where others might have described the job as overwhelming, he insisted there was no impediment to his effectiveness as a leader.
Biden also shed light on the inadequacies of standard medical guidelines pertaining to cancer screenings for older men. He remarked that he was treated like any other 82-year-old male and questioned whether he should have been given more attention due to his age. “I was treated no differently from any other 82-year-old man in America. Maybe I should have been,” he stated, highlighting a potential gap in health care protocols for older patients.
The interview touched on the scepticism he faced following the disclosure of his diagnosis. Biden mentioned a “cynical twist” regarding accusations that he concealed his illness during his presidency. “A lot of people do that… I didn’t do that,” he asserted, emphasising the importance of transparency about health challenges that national leaders face. He expressed his intention to be honest about his condition, believing that it was important for the public to know that leaders experience similar struggles as many Americans.
In discussing his personal life, Biden highlighted the integral role his family plays in supporting him during this challenging period. He mentioned his wife, Dr Jill Biden, and his grandchildren, stating that they often seek his company, which he cherishes dearly. “They’re always here… I do more with my grandchildren than I do with anybody else,” he shared, adding that their involvement in public service initiatives brings him joy.
As Biden continues to navigate his health journey, he remains focused on his family and the ongoing challenges of life. His memoir is expected to offer further insights into his experiences, including how they have shaped his perspectives on leadership and resilience.
Readers can find the complete conversation with Joe Biden in this week’s issue of PEOPLE magazine, now available for access in the app.
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