The daughter of the former U.S. president shares a rare, emotional glimpse into his cancer fight online, and the quiet milestone that marked a turning point.
On October 21, 2025, a spokesperson confirmed that former U.S. President Joe Biden had completed a round of radiation therapy for prostate cancer at Penn Medicine — a moment that brought visible joy and relief to his family.
Former U.S. President Joe Biden arrives at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland after the inauguration ceremonies on January 20, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
While the moment marked a notable step forward, it remained uncertain whether additional radiation would still be needed for the 82-year-old ex-president.
Former U.S. President Joe Biden kisses Jill Biden at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on August 19, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Joe Biden’s Daughter Shares Emotional Update with Family by His Side
Joe’s daughter, Ashley Biden, captured the poignant milestone in a video posted to Instagram. It showed her father taking part in a bell-ringing ceremony, a widely recognized gesture that signals the end of a radiation cycle.
Joe Biden rings the bell at Penn Medicine after completing a round of radiation therapy | Source: Instagram/ashleyblazerbiden
The clip also showed Joe surrounded by close family members, including former First Lady Jill Biden and their grandchildren, all visibly moved. Ashley’s captions expressed pride in her father’s strength throughout the process and gratitude for the care he received.
Joe Biden poses with family members, including First Lady Jill Biden, during a visit to the radiation oncology unit | Source: Instagram/ashleyblazerbiden
Online Reactions Swing Between Support and Scrutiny
Ashley’s update quickly drew widespread attention across social media. “Awww. Good to see this. I’ve been wondering how he’s doing,” one person wrote while another added, “❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Lookin good Joe!” A third chimed in, “He’s a fighter!” while a fourth shared, “God bless him. A kind caring soul. Miss that.”
Some followers expressed unease about the gravity of his condition. “He’s not out of the woods yet ??? Prostate cancer is unpredictable ??” someone else commented.
Joe Biden thanks a Penn Medicine doctor with flowers following his treatment | Source: Instagram/ashleyblazerbiden
Others, however, focused on Joe’s wardrobe choice during treatment. “Who wears a suit to the hospital for radiation treatment??” a different person questioned. “I personally have never seen anyone wear a suit and tie to radiation treatments,” another shared.
A separate observer remarked, “Not he got up and put on a suit.” Still, amidst the swirl of opinion, some kept it simple and sincere. “Hope it’s successful,” one commenter said.
Then-U.S. President Joe Biden pauses as a gospel choir performs at the International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina, on January 19, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Diagnosis Revealed Months Earlier amid Quiet Start to Treatment
News of Joe’s radiation therapy first came to light on October 11, though sources familiar with the situation revealed that treatment had quietly begun weeks earlier, administered alongside hormone therapy.
His prostate cancer diagnosis had been announced publicly back in May. A statement from his personal office explained that he had undergone a medical evaluation after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms, which led to the discovery of a prostate nodule.
Former U.S. President Joe Biden attends the 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City in 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Follow-up testing confirmed the disease had a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) and metastasis to the bone, indicating it had already spread beyond the prostate.
His office stated at the time, “While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management.” Joe and his family were said to be in ongoing discussions with physicians as they carefully considered available treatment options.
Then-U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the Beau Biden III National Guard/Reserve Center in New Castle, Delaware, on January 19, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
In a separate post shared on X, Joe publicly acknowledged the diagnosis, reflecting on the broader impact of cancer on families everywhere. He shared that he and Jill were leaning on each other for support and thanked the public for their continued encouragement during the difficult period.
But just as the world breathed a sigh of relief over his cancer treatment milestone, more concerns erupted — this time over a visible wound.
As previously reported, a cryptic scar, a bandaged head, and a quiet funeral appearance have ignited a firestorm of speculation and concern surrounding Joe as officials finally confirmed he recently underwent cancer surgery.
Netizen comment about Joe Biden, posted on September 1, 2025. | Source: Instagram/fredkarger
Joe Biden’s Head Wound Fuels Public Frenzy After Quiet Church Outing
A spokeswoman for the former president confirmed to CBS News that Joe underwent Mohs surgery, a precise and layered skin cancer treatment renowned for its minimal tissue damage and high success rate. But no further details were shared.
While this latest surgery is distinct from his 2023 removal of a basal cell carcinoma lesion on his chest, it follows a clear pattern of Joe proactively managing his health, particularly when it comes to skin-related medical concerns.
Former U.S. President Joe Biden at the opening night of “Othello” on Broadway in New York City on March 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
At that time, the White House had assured the public that all cancerous tissue from the 2023 surgery had been successfully removed — but now, the focus has shifted to Joe’s head, where fresh stitches have made headlines.
Photos and video footage released by Inside Edition and the New York Post captured what appeared to be a wound on the right side of Joe’s scalp, raising alarm among the American public.
During that quiet Labor Day church service, Joe — clad in a navy blazer and blue pants — was seen shaking hands, smiling, and conversing with people gathered outside the venue. As he descended the church steps, the stitches on his head were plainly visible, triggering a viral online reaction.
Joe Biden spotted exiting a church during Labor Day weekend, posted on August 31, 2025 | Source: Instagramfredkargar
The reaction online was immediate and intense. Social media erupted with questions, theories, and visible concern. One person asked, “Are those stitches?” while another echoed the sentiment, “massive stitches on his head what happened [sic]?”
A third chimed in with, “why [sic] is there a scar on his head? Like stitches,” and another exclaimed, “What’s the gash on his head!!?”
Joe Biden about to walk down steps; his scar prominently visible | Source: Instagramfredkargar
Amid the concern, others offered supportive messages and well-wishes. Some even noted how good and healthy Joe looked, despite the wound.
Not long before the Labor Day weekend sighting, Joe was seen attending the funeral of former Delaware Governor and U.S. Representative Mike Castle in August.
The solemn service took place at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church in Greenville. Joe, dressed in a dark suit and accompanied by his sister, appeared with a prominent bandage placed on the upper right side of his head.
The sight of the bandage at the funeral offered a clear indication of the nature and extent of Joe’s surgery — one that is known for its precision and effectiveness. According to the Mayo Clinic, the procedure, Mohs micrographic surgery, is a specialized technique used to treat various forms of skin cancer.
Another view of the scar on Joe Biden’s head | Source: Instagramfredkargar
A Closer Look at the Mohs Procedure and Joe Biden’s Healing Path
Unlike traditional surgical methods, Mohs surgery involves removing thin layers of skin one at a time, with each layer immediately examined under a microscope to detect any remaining cancer cells.
This process is repeated until no signs of cancer are found. The technique not only ensures a high success rate in eliminating cancer, but also minimizes the removal of healthy surrounding tissue — a key advantage when treating delicate or cosmetically sensitive areas like the head, face, or neck.
Joe Biden’s scar in prominent view as he walks down steps | Source: Instagramfredkargar
Often used to treat basal cell carcinoma, Mohs surgery is particularly beneficial in cases where the cancer has a higher risk of recurrence, or when tumors are large, aggressive, or have indistinct borders.
The procedure is typically performed with a local anesthetic, and most patients are able to return home the same day without the need for hospitalization.
Joe Biden spotted during Labor Day weekend | Source: Instagramfredkargar
Once the cancer is fully removed, the wound may be closed with stitches, left to heal naturally, or reconstructed using nearby skin — depending on the location and size of the affected area.
“If the wound is large or complex, the surgeon may temporarily close the wound. Another operation might be needed to repair the wound, though this is rare,” adds the clinic.
Joe Biden smiling at people gathered outside the church | Source: Instagramfredkargar
Patients are usually required to keep the wound bandaged for several days or longer, following aftercare instructions to support healing and reduce the risk of complications.
While mild discomfort and soreness are common and can be treated with general pain medication, significant pain is rare and generally signals the need for follow-up care.
