Joe Biden Rings Bell to Mark End of Radiation Therapy: A Milestone in a Complex Cancer Journey
A seemingly simple act—tugging on a brass bell—captured national attention this week. But for President Joe Biden, it marked a significant step in a long, meticulously planned medical journey.
The ceremonial bell at Penn Medicine Radiation Oncology in Philadelphia signaled the completion of a radiation therapy course for his aggressive prostate cancer, a milestone that combines hope, gratitude, and careful medical strategy.
What the Bell Symbolizes
On Monday, Biden participated in the clinic’s traditional bell-ringing ceremony, captured in an Instagram Stories video by his daughter, Ashley Biden. She posted, “Rung the bell! Thank you to the incredible doctors, nurses, and staff at Penn Medicine. We are so grateful.” Applause from staff and family underscored the celebratory moment, which is widely practiced in U.S. cancer centers to mark the completion of a planned treatment phase—not the end of care.
“This milestone is significant, but it is part of a larger, ongoing treatment plan,” confirmed family spokesperson Kelly Scully, noting that future steps will depend on continued monitoring and assessment.
The Medical Context
Biden, 82, was diagnosed in May with high-risk, hormone-sensitive prostate adenocarcinoma that had spread to the bone. After diagnosis, he began hormone therapy, followed by the recent radiation course. While details on specific medications or schedules have not been released, the several-week timeframe aligns with standard fractionated radiation regimens used to target bone metastases and control tumor growth.
Before beginning radiation, Biden underwent Mohs surgery in early September to remove skin cancer lesions from his forehead, unrelated to the prostate diagnosis. His office confirmed that surgery was successful, noting a previous basal-cell carcinoma removal in 2023.
Radiation therapy for bone-metastatic prostate cancer typically complements ongoing systemic hormone therapy. Physicians reassess progress after each phase, determining whether to maintain, intensify, or modify treatment. Thus, Monday’s bell-ringing reflects progress in a multi-step, carefully coordinated oncology plan rather than a conclusion.
Gratitude, Resilience, and Family Support
Biden’s choice to share the ceremonial moment highlights both morale and appreciation for his medical team. Ashley Biden’s video showcased applause and smiles from staff and family, emphasizing the symbolic importance of celebrating a treatment phase. News outlets emphasized that while the celebration marks a meaningful step, it does not indicate the end of therapy or guarantee outcomes.
The family’s approach—brief, gratitude-focused updates—aligns with the measured communication strategy employed since the diagnosis. The public sees milestones and progress, while detailed clinical decisions remain the purview of Biden’s medical team.
Conclusion: A Milestone, Not an Endpoint
The bell-ringing ceremony at Penn Medicine underscores both the complexity of cancer treatment and the human elements of hope and resilience. It marks the completion of one crucial phase in Biden’s fight against aggressive prostate cancer, while reminding the public that ongoing care and monitoring remain critical.
The celebration embodies gratitude toward caregivers, the significance of treatment milestones, and cautious optimism. While future steps await post-treatment assessments, the moment captures resilience, family support, and the careful pace required when navigating serious illness in the public eye.