Former United States President Joe Biden has undergone Mohs surgery to treat skin cancer, his office confirmed this week, marking the latest chapter in his ongoing health struggles.
Biden, 82, was recently spotted leaving a church in Delaware with a bandage and visible scar on his forehead, fueling speculation about his condition.
His spokesperson later confirmed that the former president had undergone the specialised procedure, which involves removing layers of cancerous skin tissue until no abnormal cells remain.
Mohs surgery is considered one of the most effective treatments for common skin cancers, preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Although officials did not disclose the exact type of cancer Biden was treated for, the procedure has previously been used to address his health.
In 2023, while serving as president, Biden had a basal cell carcinoma removed from his chest. His physician, Dr Kevin O’Connor, declared at the time that all cancerous tissue was successfully excised and that no further treatment was required.
That same year, First Lady Jill Biden also underwent surgery to remove two basal cell carcinomas, one above her eye and another on her chest.
The family’s struggles with cancer extend beyond skin lesions. Biden’s late son, Beau Biden, died in 2015 from a brain tumour, a loss that continues to shape the former president’s outlook.
More recently, in May 2025, Biden disclosed that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had already metastasised to his bones.
His office described the illness as “hormone-sensitive,” offering some hope for effective treatment. Despite the severity of the disease, Biden expressed optimism and resilience.
Concerns about Biden’s health have been central to his political journey in recent years. Following a poor performance in the June 2024 presidential debate, he abandoned his re-election bid, citing both political and health reasons. At the time, opponents questioned whether details of his condition had been withheld from the public.
At 82, Biden is the oldest living former US president. He continues to make limited public appearances while managing his treatment, demonstrating determination to remain engaged in public life despite his health challenges.
Medical experts stress that both skin and prostate cancers can often be successfully treated if caught early. The American Cancer Society advises men at average risk to begin prostate-specific antigen testing at age 50, while those with higher risks, such as Black men or individuals with a family history, should start at 45.
Biden’s latest surgery has reignited conversations about preventive care, regular health checks, and community awareness, reinforcing his longstanding message that early detection saves lives.
