Biden Opens Up on Cancer in First Speech Since Diagnosis
Former U.S. President Joe Biden gave his first public address on Friday, May 30, following the announcement earlier this month that he had been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer.
Speaking to reporters, Biden expressed confidence about his health and the treatment path ahead.
“The prognosis is good,” Biden said reassuringly. “We’re working on everything, and it’s moving along. I feel good.”
He added that he had selected a treatment plan and would begin taking prescribed medications shortly.
Biden emphasized that, despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, the cancer had not spread to any vital organs.
“My bones are strong. It hasn’t penetrated, so I’m feeling good,” he noted. He also shared that his family remains optimistic, adding that “one of the leading surgeons in the world” is overseeing his care.
However, his office’s initial statement acknowledged that the cancer had metastasized to the bone, a detail that underscores the seriousness of the condition despite Biden’s hopeful tone.
When questioned about ongoing concerns surrounding his mental and physical fitness during his presidency, Biden responded with humor, saying with a smile, “You can see that – I’m mentally incompetent and I can’t walk.”
He quickly clarified that he was joking, warning that his comment would likely be taken out of context by the media.
Addressing criticisms from within his own party about whether he should have sought re-election, Biden pushed back firmly: “Why didn’t they run against me then?
Because I’d have beaten them.” He stood by his decision to run and expressed no regrets.
Reflecting on the current state of the world, Biden said, “We’re at a crucial inflection point in history.
The decisions we make now will shape the next two decades,” expressing pride in his record and leadership.
When asked to respond to remarks made by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt—who accused his wife, Jill Biden, of concealing knowledge of his condition—Biden initially responded with a smirk, “I don’t know who the press secretary is.”
He later clarified it was a joke, acknowledging the likelihood that the media would misinterpret his words.
Biden Opens Up on Cancer in First Speech Since Diagnosis