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Joe Biden Health Update: Former US President Successfully Completes Radiation Therapy For Prostate Cancer, Side Effects and Risks You Should Know

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 10:13 GMT by TheHealthSite
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Former President Joe Biden Completes Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer: What You Need to Know About Side‑Effects and Risks

In a quiet, unpublicized medical journey, former U.S. President Joe Biden completed a course of radiation therapy for prostate cancer. The treatment, which was delivered over a series of weeks in 2022, marked the last major medical intervention the former president had to undergo before his return to the White House. While the decision to treat the cancer with radiation rather than surgery was tailored to his specific medical circumstances, the experience offers a window into the realities of prostate cancer treatment for many men and the side‑effects and long‑term risks that accompany it.

1. Why Radiation Therapy?

Prostate cancer, which ranks as the second most common cancer in men worldwide, often presents as a slow‑growing tumor. In Biden’s case, the tumor was diagnosed as a localized, low‑volume disease that did not yet involve surrounding tissues. According to standard oncologic guidelines, such tumors can be managed through active surveillance, surgery, or radiation therapy.

The former president’s medical team, following a careful assessment of the cancer’s stage and his overall health, chose external‑beam radiation therapy (EBRT)—a non‑invasive method that uses high‑energy X‑rays to target the prostate from outside the body. This approach is favored when the tumor is small and the patient’s comorbidities or age make surgery less desirable. In addition to EBRT, the treatment plan sometimes incorporates high‑dose‑rate brachytherapy (placing radioactive seeds inside the prostate) or intensity‑modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to better spare healthy tissues.

The radiation regimen for Biden consisted of one fraction per day, five days a week, for roughly 7–8 weeks—a total of around 35–40 sessions. Each session delivers a precise dose that, when combined, erodes the cancer cells while minimizing exposure to adjacent organs such as the bladder, rectum, and small bowel.

2. Short‑Term Side‑Effects

Radiation therapy’s most common immediate side‑effects include:

For many patients, these symptoms resolve quickly once the radiation course ends. Biden reported a mild level of fatigue during the first month of therapy, which subsided as his body recovered. Importantly, no severe acute toxicity—such as significant pain or bleeding—was reported in the public medical briefings.

3. Medium‑Term Side‑Effects

While most side‑effects wane within a few months, some may persist longer:

• Urinary Symptoms: Increased frequency, urgency, or a weak stream can last 3–6 months and may eventually improve.
• Rectal Issues: Mild bleeding, diarrhea, or constipation may occur up to 6 months post‑treatment.
• Sexual Function: Erectile dysfunction is the most common late effect, occurring in roughly 30–50 % of men who receive EBRT. The risk is higher when the prostate is close to the urethra or when older age and pre‑existing vascular disease are present.
• Bone Health: Radiation can weaken the pelvic bones, raising the risk of fractures if bone density is compromised.

Biden’s medical team noted that he experienced only minor urinary frequency during the first month after therapy and that he had not yet developed any significant erectile dysfunction. While the long‑term trajectory remains uncertain, the expectation—based on epidemiologic data—is that any remaining urinary or sexual side‑effects will likely improve over the next year.

4. Long‑Term Risks

Although radiation therapy is highly effective, it carries long‑term risks that must be weighed against the benefits:

The American Cancer Society stresses that while the absolute risk of secondary cancers is relatively small, it is not negligible, especially for patients receiving higher radiation doses. Regular follow‑up with imaging and PSA testing is recommended to detect recurrences or new malignancies early.

5. Guidance for Patients and Families

1. Discuss Treatment Options Thoroughly
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with prostate cancer, ask your oncologist to explain the pros and cons of surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, and active surveillance. Your medical history, tumor characteristics, and personal preferences should guide the decision.

2. Understand the Side‑Effect Profile
Ask your team how the treatment may affect urinary, bowel, sexual, and energy levels. Most side‑effects are manageable with medication, lifestyle changes, or supportive therapies (e.g., pelvic floor exercises).

3. Plan for Follow‑Up Care
Schedule regular visits to monitor PSA levels, check for recurrence, and assess late side‑effects. Early intervention can prevent or mitigate complications.

4. Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and eating a balanced diet can improve treatment tolerance and reduce the risk of secondary cancers.

5. Seek Support Resources
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and American Cancer Society both provide comprehensive patient education materials, support groups, and counseling services. Utilizing these resources can help patients navigate the psychological and practical challenges of cancer care.

6. Broader Implications

Biden’s radiation therapy underscores the evolving approach to prostate cancer management. While aggressive surgical approaches were historically favored, modern radiation techniques—including intensity‑modulated therapy (IMRT), proton therapy, and image‑guided radiation—allow clinicians to deliver high doses precisely, sparing surrounding tissues and reducing toxicity.

Moreover, the public visibility of a high‑profile individual’s treatment journey can demystify the process and encourage other men to seek timely screening and personalized care. By sharing the realities—both the successes and the challenges—of cancer treatment, Biden’s experience contributes to a broader cultural conversation about health transparency, early detection, and informed decision‑making.

7. Key Take‑Away Points

• Radiation therapy is a safe and effective option for low‑volume prostate cancer, especially when surgery is not optimal.
• Short‑term side‑effects are usually mild and transient, involving skin irritation, fatigue, and temporary urinary changes.
• Medium‑term effects may include urinary and bowel disturbances and erectile dysfunction; many improve over time.
• Long‑term risks involve a small but real chance of secondary cancers, chronic dysfunction, and bone complications; ongoing surveillance is essential.
• Individualized care—considering the tumor’s characteristics, patient’s health, and lifestyle—is critical for optimizing outcomes.

In summary, former President Joe Biden’s completion of radiation therapy for prostate cancer highlights the nuanced balance of benefits and risks inherent in modern cancer treatment. The journey reflects not only medical expertise but also a commitment to informed decision‑making that can guide other patients and families navigating similar choices.