Former President Joe Biden has reached a significant milestone in his treatment for prostate cancer. On Monday, October 9, 2023, the 82-year-old Biden completed a round of radiation therapy aimed at combating the aggressive cancer diagnosed in May. According to his aide, Kelly Scully, Biden has been receiving care at Penn Medicine Radiation Oncology in Philadelphia. The necessity for further radiation therapy remains uncertain.
The completion of this treatment was celebrated by Biden’s family, particularly his daughter, Ashley Biden, who shared moments from the day on her Instagram Story. Among the posts was a video of her father ringing a bell, a common tradition symbolizing the end of treatment. One of her messages expressed gratitude towards the medical team: “Thank you to the incredible doctors, nurses, and staff at Penn Medicine. We are so grateful!”
In May, Biden’s office announced his diagnosis of an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had metastasized to his bones. His cancer type is characterized by a Gleason score of 9, indicating a highly aggressive nature, with scores ranging from 6 to 10 used to assess the severity of prostate cancers. Despite the aggressive diagnosis, his office noted that the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which could facilitate effective management.
Biden addressed his health following the diagnosis, stating, “The prognosis is good. We’re working on everything. It’s moving along. I feel good.” This optimism was evident despite the challenges he faced, including a previous surgery in September to remove skin cancer lesions from his forehead. This procedure, known as Mohs surgery, involves the meticulous removal of skin layers to ensure all cancerous cells are excised.
The former president has not only navigated health challenges but also faced scrutiny regarding transparency about his health during his time in office. This concern has prompted the Republican-led House Oversight Committee to initiate an investigation into potential misuse of the autopen during the final months of his presidency. The committee has requested testimony from Biden’s physician, Kevin O’Connor, along with four senior aides, including former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
As investigations progress, Biden has firmly denied any claims suggesting he was unaware of his administration’s actions, asserting his decisive role in all presidential matters: “Let me be clear: I made the decisions during my presidency. Any suggestion that I didn’t is ridiculous and false.”
Biden, who left office in January 2023, had previously announced he would not seek re-election after a debate with President Donald Trump, which raised concerns about his health and mental fitness. As he continues to manage his health, the public and political spheres remain focused on how these developments may impact his legacy and the political landscape moving forward.
