Former US President Joe Biden publicly addressed his recent diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer for the first time during a speech on May 30, 2025, at Veterans Memorial Park in New Castle, Delaware. Despite the seriousness of the illness, Biden conveyed optimism about his prognosis and emphasized resilience.
"All the folks are very optimistic... The expectation is we are going to be able to beat this," Biden said, affirming his confidence in overcoming the cancer. The event commemorated military members who lost their lives in service, occurring shortly after Memorial Day.
During his remarks, Biden reflected on the approaching 10th anniversary of his son Beau Biden's passing from brain cancer at age 46, highlighting the personal significance of fighting illness.
Defending Democracy Through Sacrifice
Biden delivered a passionate message to the families of fallen military personnel, stressing the continuing responsibility to uphold American values. "They are not asking us to risk our lives, they are asking us to stay true to what America stands for," he stated. "They are asking us to do our jobs – to protect our nation, in our time, now, to defend democracy."
Without mentioning the current President or his own recent presidential campaign by name, Biden emphasized the critical juncture at which the nation stands. He described the present moment as an "inflexion point" where decisions will shape the country's future for decades.
Reflecting on Legacy and Health
Biden openly expressed no regrets regarding his brief 2024 presidential bid and plans to stand by his presidential record. When questioned about his cancer and health, he reassured the public that his bones remain strong and affirmed that he is receiving care from a world-class surgeon who personally overcame prostate cancer decades ago.
In closing, Biden's remarks combined a message of hopeful determination regarding his health with a call for national unity and dedication to democratic principles.
