September 5, 2025 – Former U.S. President Joe Biden, now 82, has undergone another significant medical procedure: the removal of skin cancer lesions through Mohs surgery. The announcement, made by his spokesperson on Thursday, comes as the latest health challenge in Biden’s long personal and political journey.
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The Surgery and What It Means
Biden’s press secretary, Kelly Scully, confirmed that the procedure successfully removed cancerous lesions from his forehead. The news followed public speculation earlier this week when Biden was seen leaving a church service in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, with a noticeable scar on his head.
The surgery, known as Mohs micrographic surgery, is a precise technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer. Unlike standard excisions, Mohs involves removing cancerous tissue layer by layer while examining each under a microscope until only healthy tissue remains. This ensures maximum effectiveness while minimizing damage to surrounding skin.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, Mohs surgery has a success rate of up to 99 percent, particularly for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can go home the same day.
While the White House has not disclosed the exact type of skin cancer removed, medical experts note that Mohs surgery is usually performed on sensitive areas like the face, where cosmetic preservation is as important as removing the disease.
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Biden’s History With Cancer
This is not Biden’s first battle with cancer.
2023: While serving as president, he had a basal cell carcinoma removed from his chest.
May 2025: He was diagnosed with stage IV prostate cancer, which had spread to his bones. Fortunately, treatment with hormone therapy has so far kept the disease under control.
2025 (now): The latest Mohs surgery for skin cancer adds another chapter to his long health journey.
Biden’s family, too, has faced cancer struggles. First Lady Jill Biden underwent Mohs surgery in 2023 to remove lesions from her face and chest. And tragically, their son Beau Biden passed away from glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, in 2015.
These experiences have made cancer awareness and treatment a central focus of the Biden family’s public service efforts.
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What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery, named after Dr. Frederic Mohs who developed the technique in the 1930s, is now the gold standard for treating non-melanoma skin cancers.
Step-by-step process:
1. A surgeon removes a thin layer of skin from the cancer site.
2. The tissue is immediately examined under a microscope.
3. If cancer cells remain, another thin layer is removed and checked.
4. This process repeats until no cancerous cells are found.
Because the surgery checks 100% of the tumor margins, recurrence rates are extremely low compared to traditional methods. For patients like Biden, who need effective removal with minimal cosmetic impact, it is one of the safest and most reliable treatments.
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Health, Age, and Politics
Biden’s health has been a subject of debate for years, both during and after his presidency. At 82, every medical update sparks discussion about his ability to remain active in public life.
However, his doctors have consistently emphasized that he remains strong, mentally sharp, and able to recover well from procedures. Unlike his prostate cancer diagnosis, which carried more serious implications, skin cancer treated with Mohs surgery is generally considered highly curable.
Still, the symbolism of the scar on his forehead is powerful. For many Americans, it is a reminder that even the most powerful leaders face the same health battles as ordinary citizens.
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Biden’s Message: Strength in Vulnerability
Biden has often spoken about cancer in deeply personal terms. Reflecting on his family’s struggles, he once said:
> “Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places.”
That sentiment resonates with millions of Americans who face cancer diagnoses every year. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 5.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually in the United States alone, making it the most common form of cancer.
By being open about his health, Biden continues to turn his personal experiences into a public message of resilience and awareness.
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A Broader Public Health Reminder
Experts stress that Biden’s case highlights the importance of:
Regular skin checks: Early detection is key to successful treatment.
Sun protection: Using sunscreen and limiting UV exposure significantly lowers risk.
Follow-up care: Even after removal, patients must stay vigilant for recurrence.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that adults perform monthly self-checks and see a dermatologist annually, especially those with fair skin, family history, or significant sun exposure.
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Conclusion
Joe Biden’s latest surgery may be one of many health battles he has fought, but it also underscores his resilience. At 82, he continues to demonstrate determination and courage in facing challenges that millions of Americans can relate to.
For his supporters, his recovery is a source of inspiration. For public health advocates, it is a reminder that cancer can affect anyone—and that prevention, awareness, and timely treatment save lives.
As Biden himself has said, out of hardship often comes strength. His journey through repeated encounters with cancer is not just a personal story, but a symbol of hope and perseverance for countless others walking the same path.