Cancer slows Biden as memoir 'Promise Me, America' arrives November 17

Former US President Joe Biden has said his battle with cancer sometimes slows him down, forcing him to limit the promotional events for his presidential memoir. The memoir, titled 'Promise Me, America,' is set to be released on November 17.

The book reflects on Biden's four years in the White House, covering the COVID-19 pandemic, the aftermath of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, domestic legislation, global diplomacy and his decision to run for re-election before later stepping aside in 2024.

The memoir also details the personal deliberations behind his decision to end his 2024 re-election bid.

Biden was diagnosed in May 2025 with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. He said his doctors continue to be encouraged by how he has responded to treatment.

Some days are better than others, Biden said. It hasn't stopped me. But sometimes it slows me down. That means, unfortunately, he will not be able to take part in as many conversations about his book as he had hoped. However, he is hopeful the words on the page speak for themselves.

In a post on X, Biden wrote that his presidential memoir, 'Promise Me, America,' is coming out on November 17. He said he hopes readers will read it. The book covers his years as president — the challenges he faced, the decisions he made, and why he made them. In his words, it is about who Americans are as a nation, what they stand for, and America's role in the world. More than anything, it is about his faith in the American people and the great American experiment in self-governance and democracy.

His son Hunter Biden has revealed that the cancer has spread further, leaving the former president in a very painful condition.

Biden recalled his father telling him, when you get knocked down, get up. It's a good lesson for me, Biden said. And for America.

We are blessed, he added. 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.

Biden said he was diagnosed with cancer while writing the book, a disease known all too well to millions of Americans and their families. He said the prayers, kind words and well wishes from so many people have meant more to him, his wife Jill and their family than they can ever know.

Biden has been conspicuously absent from the campaign trail, while former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris have stepped up for the midterm push.

With the book due out on November 17, Biden said he hopes readers will find his account of his presidency in its pages.