Biden cuts book tour due to cancer

Joe Biden said on Sunday that his cancer treatment is limiting his ability to promote his upcoming memoir. The 83-year-old former president posted on X that some days are better than others. He admitted that the illness sometimes slows him down, even if it has not stopped him completely.

Biden announced that he will hold fewer conversations about the book than originally planned. He expressed hope that the words on the page will speak for themselves. The memoir, titled Promise me, America, is scheduled for release on Nov. 17.

The former president left office in January 2025. Shortly after, he disclosed a diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer. He has since completed courses of radiation therapy and hormone treatment. His office also noted in the previous year that he underwent surgery to remove cancerous skin cells.

The book covers his four years in the White House. It details the decisions he made and the reasons behind them. Biden described the work as being about his faith in the American people and the experiment in self-governance.

Hunter Biden told the BBC in August that his father’s cancer has metastasized into his bones. He described the condition as very painful and debilitating. Hunter Biden added that watching his father deal with the illness is really sad.

Jill Biden previously told NBC News that she believes Joe will live with cancer for the rest of his life. Biden has defended his mental acuity and memory against public criticism. He noted in his Sunday post that his doctors are encouraged by his response to treatment.

The publisher, Hachette Book Group, said the memoir reveals the agonizing calculation behind his 2024 decision to step aside from the presidential race. Biden ended his re-election bid and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. He thanked the public for their prayers and well wishes in his post.