Jill Biden has shared details about a bathroom-related issue Joe Biden experienced before he was diagnosed with what was later described as an ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer.
The former first lady spoke about it during an August 5 appearance on the Let’s Talk Off Camera podcast with Kelly Ripa, after Joe Biden was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer following his time in the White House.
“And, for anyone who’s listening, really, that diagnosis, you can be cured, and you can go through radiation or whatever,” she said. “You can be cured, and you’ll be fine.”
She explained, however, that her husband’s situation was more advanced by the time the cancer was found.
“Unfortunately for Joe, it metastasized to his bones,” she said. “Which means that he will forever live with cancer, and we have to be mindful of it every three months, testing and medicines.
“And anybody who’s gone through this cancer journey and I’ve been through it many times with members of my family, of course with Beau, it’s constant. It’s daily. And I think it’s challenging.”
Jill said that before the diagnosis, Biden had been waking up repeatedly overnight to use the bathroom, at times as often as seven times.
Although the issue had been brought up with a White House doctor, no further steps were taken at the time, and Jill said she believed it had already been dealt with.
According to Cleveland Clinic, one possible warning sign of prostate cancer is a frequent or urgent need to urinate, particularly during the night.
Because the prostate sits close to the bladder, enlargement caused by cancer or other conditions can increase pressure in that area.
That pressure can make someone feel like they need to urinate more often than normal, even when the need is not especially urgent.
Cleveland Clinic also lists other symptoms associated with prostate cancer, including a weak urine stream, a flow that stops and starts, pain or burning during urination, incontinence, and blood in urine or semen.
Additional signs may include erectile dysfunction, pain during ejaculation, and discomfort in areas such as the hip, chest, or lower back.
Many of these symptoms can overlap with other health problems, which is why speaking with a doctor is important if there are any concerns, particularly for people in higher-risk groups who may benefit from screening.
“I thought it was addressed,” Jill said. “But like you’re saying, they were following the American Urological Association guidelines.
“And so they didn’t give him the PSA test, the blood test. But when it continued when we got out of the White House—I said ‘Joe, we’ve got to go up to Jeff in Philly—something’s wrong.’
“And so we did. But I never, oh my God, I never thought it would be prostate cancer.”
The American Urological Association recommends against routine PSA testing for men over 70, aligning with broader screening guidelines that prioritize individual patient discussions about benefits and risks. During his presidency, Biden’s medical team followed these standard recommendations, which accounts for why additional testing was not initially pursued despite the symptoms Jill observed.
Biden’s diagnosis was confirmed in 2025, and a statement issued by his office said: “Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.”
The statement continued: “While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management. The president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”
Since his diagnosis in May 2025, Biden has undergone radiation therapy and hormone treatment. He completed his course of radiation in October 2025 and has continued hormone therapy. Aides have indicated that Biden is responding well to treatment and remains active and engaged in his post-presidency activities, including writing his memoir.