Biden limits book tour due to prostate cancer, memoir out November 17

Former US President Joe Biden announced that his cancer will limit the promotion of his new memoir, Promise Me, America, which is scheduled for release on November 17. He shared the update on X, explaining that some days are better than others and that the illness sometimes slows him down.

Biden said he received the cancer diagnosis while writing the book and that his doctors remain encouraged by his response to treatment. He was diagnosed last year after leaving the White House with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones and other parts of his body.

“Some days are better than others. This has not stopped me. But sometimes it slows me down. Unfortunately, I will not be able to discuss my book as much as I had hoped.”

His son, Hunter Biden, revealed in August that the disease is very painful and debilitating, describing it in a BBC interview as having metastasized to his bones and other areas. Despite these challenges, Biden expressed confidence that the words in his book will speak for themselves.

The memoirs are expected to provide Biden's most detailed explanation of why he sought re-election amid concerns about his age and why he later stepped aside to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris. The book also covers his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, efforts to restore democracy after the 2021 Capitol attack, the chaotic withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, and support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

Biden concluded his message by recalling his father's advice to get back up after being knocked down, calling it a good lesson for himself and for the United States. He added that he hopes readers will engage with the book despite his reduced public appearances.