Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in October 2025.

Former President Joe Biden has completed a major round of cancer treatment, according to his family, following months of battling an aggressive form of prostate cancer that doctors say had spread to his bones.

The update came directly from Biden’s daughter, Ashley Biden, who shared an emotional message Monday on Instagram. In a short video post, she revealed that her father had finished a critical stage of his treatment, writing, “Rung the bell! Thank you to the incredible doctors, nurses, and staff at Penn Medicine. We are so grateful. Dad has been so damn brave throughout his treatment.”

Ringing the bell is a long-standing tradition among cancer patients to mark the end of a major treatment phase, often signaling hope and perseverance after weeks or months of therapy.

A spokesperson for Biden later confirmed to CNN that the former president recently completed a course of radiation therapy, though his medical team has not yet determined what the next steps in his treatment will be. The update offered cautious optimism but made clear that Biden’s health journey is far from over.

Biden’s post-presidential office first disclosed his diagnosis in May, revealing that doctors discovered the cancer after he reported urinary symptoms. Tests later confirmed the disease had metastasized, or spread to his bones—a serious development that significantly complicates treatment.

According to medical reports shared by his team, Biden’s cancer was classified with a Gleason score of 9, placing it among the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer. The Gleason scoring system ranges from 6 to 10, with higher scores indicating faster-growing, more difficult-to-treat cancers.

Since his diagnosis, Biden has been undergoing a combination of radiation and hormone therapy, a standard approach for advanced prostate cancer cases. Sources close to the family say the 82-year-old former president has remained in good spirits, leaning on his family and faith throughout the ordeal.

This isn’t the first health challenge Biden has faced this year. Just last month, his office confirmed he underwent a minor surgical procedure to remove several skin cancer lesions from his forehead. Doctors described the procedure as routine, and his team said he was recovering well.

Despite stepping away from public life after leaving the White House, Biden has remained a visible figure through family updates and occasional public appearances. His daughter’s post Monday drew an outpouring of support from across the political spectrum, with many offering prayers and well-wishes for his continued recovery.

While Biden’s medical team has not commented on his long-term prognosis, his family’s message was clear: the former president is fighting hard—and doing so with courage.

As Ashley Biden put it, her father has faced one of the toughest battles of his life, and through it all, “he’s been so damn brave.”