Former President Joe Biden shared an update on his battle with prostate cancer Tuesday, revealing that radiation treatment he underwent last fall "worked as intended" while urging American men not to delay conversations with their doctors about cancer screening
Biden, 83, issued the update in a lengthy social media post marking Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, saying the occasion was more personal for him following his diagnosis last year
"The radiation treatment from last fall worked as intended, and I continue to do the things I care about, like finishing my memoir," Biden wrote
He also thanked the doctors, nurses and other medical professionals who have treated him, saying their "skill, dedication, and compassion mean so much"
Biden used much of the message to urge men to discuss with their doctors, pointing to the dramatically higher survival rate when the disease is detected early
"Talk to your doctors Ask the hard questions. Do it for yourself, and do it for the people who love you," Biden wrote.
Biden said should begin discussing prostate cancer screening with their doctors around age 50, while Black men and those with a family history should begin those conversations earlier
The discussing screening at age 50 for average-risk men, age 45 for Black men and certain men with a family history, and age 40 for some men at even higher risk
Biden’s office that the former president had been diagnosed with an that had metastasized to his bones
The diagnosis came after Biden experienced increasing urinary symptoms and doctors discovered a prostate nodule His office said at the time that the cancer had a Gleason score of 9, Grade Group 5, but was hormone-sensitive, allowing for effective management.
Biden later underwent radiation therapy and completed that course of treatment last fall
Fox News Digital reached out to Biden’s office for additional comment on his current health, treatment and prognosis
Biden closed Tuesday's message by thanking those who have continued to pray for him and his family
"It’s my hope and prayer that by sharing our experience and being part of this important conversation, we can help save lives," he wrote "And no matter what, keep the faith. God bless you."Fox News Digital's Stepheny Price and Robert McGreevy contributed to this reporting.