# Joe Biden Reflects on Cancer Diagnosis and 2024 Presidential Campaign Withdrawal Former President Biden states he would have avoided re-election if aware of his cancer. - **Source:** [Time](https://time.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/68febc6e-d534-4287-8856-3168049f50ce ## Retrospective on Campaign Decision Former President Joe Biden, 83, stated in a recent interview that he would have resigned from his 2024 re-election bid had he known about his cancer diagnosis earlier. He explicitly noted that an 80-year-old man battling cancer should not be running for the presidency, emphasizing his belief in objective fitness. ## Diagnosis and Medical Timeline Biden’s office announced his aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis in May 2025, months after he left the White House. Medical tests indicated the cancer had spread to his bones. He underwent surgery and radiation therapy, and he currently manages his condition by taking eight different pills each day to maintain health. ## Addressing Public Transparency Responding to accusations regarding the timing of his disclosure, Biden maintained he did not hide his condition. He asserted that the public was informed as soon as he received the diagnosis. His son, Hunter Biden, previously noted that the cancer had spread significantly and caused his father considerable physical pain. ## Debate Performance and Withdrawal Biden downplayed the impact of his June 2024 debate performance against Donald Trump, labeling it inconsequential. However, his weak showing triggered intense pressure from Democratic allies, including Nancy Pelosi, to withdraw. He eventually suspended his campaign and endorsed Kamala Harris, despite his earlier insistence that he was the best-equipped candidate. ## Screening and Medical Context Before his 2025 diagnosis, Biden had not been screened for prostate cancer since 2014. Current U.S. medical guidelines generally advise against routine screening for men once they reach their 70s. Donald Trump publicly questioned why the diagnosis was not identified sooner, noting the severity indicated by a high Gleason score. ## Impact of Public Perception A YouGov survey conducted after the 2024 election revealed that 59% of respondents considered Biden’s age and mental state highly important to the race's outcome. Additionally, 47% of those surveyed believed the June debate between Biden and Trump was a critical factor in determining the final result of the presidential election. ## Current Health and Memoir Biden is preparing to release his memoir, 'Promise Me, America,' on November 17. Due to his ongoing health challenges, he announced he will reduce his planned public appearances. While he admits some days are difficult, he remains optimistic, insisting he retains all his faculties and feels good despite the diagnosis. ## Legacy and Political Conclusion As the oldest person to hold the presidential oath until Donald Trump’s second term, Biden’s tenure was marked by constant scrutiny regarding his age. His reflection on the intersection of personal health and political duty provides a final perspective on the challenges faced during his presidency and his subsequent campaign exit. ## Sources covering this story - [Time — Biden Reflects on Cancer Diagnosis and Presidential Candidacy](https://time.com/article/2026/11/11/biden-says-he-would-have-stepped-down-if-he-knew-he-had-cancer/) - [Stuff NZ — Biden Reflects on 2024 Re-election Bid Amid Health Revelations](https://www.stuff.co.nz/world-news/361058382/biden-says-he-wouldnt-have-run-second-term-2024-if) - [Politico – Politics — Joe Biden Reveals Cancer Diagnosis Influenced 2024 Election Withdrawal](https://www.politico.com/news/2026/11/11/biden-2024-cancer-diagnosis-debate-performance-01160750) - [TIME — Biden Reflects on Cancer Diagnosis and Presidential Candidacy](https://time.com/article/2026/11/11/biden-says-he-would-have-stepped-down-if-he-knew-he-had-cancer/) - [TIME — Biden Reflects on Cancer Diagnosis and Presidential Candidacy](https://time.com/article/2026/11/11/biden-says-he-would-have-stepped-down-if-he-knew-he-had-cancer/) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._