Former President Joe Biden ‘Rings the Bell’ in Triumph over Aggressive Prostate Cancer Treatment Phase
News that former President Joe Biden has completed his first round of radiation treatment for an aggressive form of prostate cancer has brought a significant and encouraging sign of progress. His decision and his family’s decision to share the traditional “bell ringing” moment emphasized a major milestone in his battle against this severe disease.
The Diagnosis and Severity of the Disease
In May 2025, former President Joe Biden’s office announced that he had been diagnosed with a form of prostate cancer that was highly aggressive and had metastasized to his bones. This was a serious piece of news, especially for a man in his eighties.
According to information from his medical team, Mr. Biden’s cancer was assessed with a Gleason score of 9 (on a scale of 1 to 10), indicating it was one of the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer. When cancer has spread to the bones (metastasis), it is much more complex to treat than localized cancer. However, doctors also noted that his cancer cells appeared to be hormone-sensitive, a factor that allows for effective management through hormone therapy.
Prior to this, the former President also underwent Mohs surgery to remove cancerous skin lesions on his head in September of the same year.
Treatment Protocol and the Significance of Radiation
Mr. Biden’s treatment plan primarily included two main methods: hormone therapy and radiation therapy.
- Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy – ADT): Since prostate cancer often needs male hormones (Androgen/Testosterone) to grow, hormone therapy aims to cut off this hormone supply, slowing the growth of the cancer cells.
- Radiation Therapy: This therapy uses high-energy radiation beams to destroy cancer cells. Mr. Biden’s first course of radiation, which lasted several weeks at Penn Medicine Radiation Oncology in Philadelphia, was a crucial part of managing the tumors.
The completion of this radiation round does not mean the former President is entirely cured (as the cancer was metastatic), but it signals that a critical phase of treatment has concluded and his body is responding positively to the prescribed protocol.
The “Bell Ringing” Ritual
The moment former President Joe Biden rang the bell, shared by his daughter, Ashley Biden, garnered significant attention and public support.
“The Bell Ringing” is an emotional and deeply meaningful ritual in the cancer community:
- Marking a Milestone: It symbolizes the completion of a challenging treatment course (like radiation or chemotherapy), demonstrating the patient’s perseverance.
- Symbol of Hope: The ringing bell is a personal declaration of triumph and a source of inspiration and motivation for other patients continuing their treatment journey.
- Expression of Gratitude: It is also a way for patients to express their thanks to the doctors, nurses, and medical staff who have been with them.
Mr. Biden’s daughter wrote: “Rung the bell! Thank you to the incredible doctors, nurses, and staff at Penn Medicine. We are so grateful!” and added that, “Dad has been so damn brave throughout his treatment. Grateful.”
Impact and Transparency
Former President Joe Biden’s openness about his illness and treatment has continued to promote transparency regarding personal health, while also contributing to public awareness of prostate cancer—one of the second most common cancers in men.
Mr. Biden’s battle is a reminder of the seriousness of prostate cancer, especially in older men, and the importance of early detection and treatment. Despite the severe diagnosis, his optimism and the successful completion of the radiation phase reinforce faith in medical advancements and the former President’s strong fighting spirit.
