Hunter Biden told BBC Newsnight on August 7 that his father, Joe Biden, is living with stage 4 prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones and is causing significant pain and weakness. The former president was diagnosed in May 2025, had skin cancer surgery in September and began radiation in October. Hunter praised his father as the family's cornerstone despite the illness. First Lady Jill Biden previously confirmed the diagnosis and said medical teams followed AUA screening guidance, urging men to take symptoms seriously.
Hunter Biden Gives Candid Update on Joe Biden’s Health After BBC Interview
Hunter and Joe Biden - BBC News YouTube; Earl Gibson III/Deadline via Getty Images
Hunter Biden, son of former president Joe Biden, told BBC Newsnight on August 7 that his father's health has declined following a May 2025 diagnosis of stage 4 prostate cancer.
Speaking with host Paddy O'Connell, Hunter offered a blunt assessment:
"The only thing that I'll say about my dad, about his health right now, is I wish he would complain more because it's not good."
He added:
"The cancer has spread, it's metastasized into his bones and further. It's very painful, and it's very debilitating in many respects, but he's still out there."
According to the family timeline, Joe Biden retired from politics last year, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in May 2025, underwent skin cancer surgery in September and began radiation therapy in October.
Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, Hunter emphasized his father's central role in the family: "My dad, to this day, remains the center of our family... Down to his grandchildren and his great-grandchild, he is our rock." He praised Joe Biden as a devoted father, husband and grandfather while acknowledging the difficulty of watching his decline.
Two months earlier, First Lady Jill Biden spoke about the diagnosis on the daytime programme The View, saying her husband "is doing okay" and remains active—traveling to Washington, speaking at events and continuing to write.
Jill explained that their medical team followed American Urology Association guidelines, which advise against routine PSA screening after age 70, and said that a PSA test was not performed. She used the platform to urge men to be proactive about their health: "If you're having a problem, don't just say, 'Oh, I'll get to this later.' Do something."
Context: The family's remarks combine a personal update about a serious illness with a public health reminder about age-based screening recommendations and the importance of early attention to symptoms.
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