Hunter Biden has opened up about his father’s ongoing battle with prostate cancer, describing the illness as painful and debilitating as the disease has spread to his bones.

Speaking to the BBC, Hunter said it has been difficult to watch Joe Biden deal with the effects of the illness.

“The cancer has spread, metastasised into his bones and further,” Hunter said. “It’s very painful and it’s very debilitating in many respects. It’s really sad to watch.”

Hunter also said he wished his father would be more willing to complain about what he is going through.

“The only thing that I’d say about my dad, about his health right now, is I wish he would complain more. Because it’s not good.”

Despite the challenges, Hunter said the former president remains deeply committed to his country.

“He’s still doing his thing. He so believes in this country,” he said.

What we know about Joe Biden’s cancer

Joe Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer in May 2025. His office said at the time that the cancer had a Gleason score of nine and had already spread to his bones.

Cancer that spreads from the prostate to other parts of the body is known as metastatic prostate cancer. The bones are among the most common places for prostate cancer to spread, and advanced disease can cause symptoms including bone or back pain, fatigue and unintended weight loss.

Hunter’s comments offer a rare glimpse into the personal impact of Biden’s illness as he continues to deal with the disease.

Jill Biden previously raised health concerns

Jill Biden has also spoken publicly about concerns she had regarding her husband’s health during his presidency.

She previously said she had noticed Joe Biden getting up repeatedly during the night to use the bathroom and raised the issue with White House physicians. The cancer was ultimately diagnosed after the Bidens had left the White House.

While prostate cancer can cause urinary symptoms, early-stage disease often produces no symptoms at all. As the cancer advances, symptoms can include more frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, back or bone pain, fatigue and unexplained weight loss.

For people with metastatic prostate cancer, treatment can include hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies and radiation, depending on the individual circumstances. Treatments can help control the disease and relieve symptoms, including pain from bone metastases.

Hunter’s latest comments have provided a deeply personal account of what the Biden family is facing as the former president continues his battle with cancer.