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Joe Biden marked a major milestone in his cancer journey this week, celebrating the completion of his radiation treatment surrounded by his family.
The 82-year-old former president was treated at Penn Medicine Radiation Oncology in Philadelphia, where he rang the ceremonial bell to signify the end of his therapy. His daughter, Ashley Biden, shared the moment on Instagram, posting a short video of her father dressed in a blue suit and tie as doctors applauded.
"Rung the bell! Thank you to the incredible doctors, nurses, and staff at Penn Medicine. We are so grateful!" Ashley captioned the post, later adding, "Dad has been so damn brave throughout his treatment. Grateful."
Biden's office confirmed earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. At the time, the statement noted that "the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management." He has been undergoing both hormone therapy and radiation in recent months.
A spokesperson told ABC News that Biden completed his latest round of radiation on October 20, though it remains unclear whether additional treatment will be required. "He rang the bell today," his spokeswoman Kelly Scully confirmed.
Ringing the bell has become a cherished tradition for many cancer patients. The ritual dates back to the 1990s at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where a Navy admiral undergoing treatment donated a brass bell to celebrate the end of his radiation therapy.
Biden has spoken candidly about his diagnosis, telling CNN earlier this year, "The expectation is we're going to be able to beat this. It's not in any organ, it's in – my bones are strong, it hadn't penetrated. So, I'm feeling good."
His son, Hunter Biden, shared during a July interview that the cancer had metastasized to his father's spinal cord but praised his resilience. "They can treat it, but it's not curable," Hunter said, adding that his father "will never complain... he just keeps going."
This year, Biden also underwent Mohs surgery to remove skin cancer lesions from his forehead. Despite the health challenges, he has continued to make public appearances and is expected to speak at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute in Boston, where he'll receive a lifetime achievement award.
