Scott Adams, the creator of the iconic “Dilbert” comic strip, has publicly announced that he is battling an advanced, aggressive form of prostate cancer—the same diagnosis recently shared by former President Joe Biden. Adams, 67, revealed that his cancer has metastasized to his bones, leaving him with a grim prognosis and only a few months to live.
The Announcement: A Candid Revelation
On May 19, 2025, Scott Adams addressed his audience during an episode of his YouTube show, “Real Coffee with Scott Adams,” to share the news of his diagnosis. He disclosed that, like Biden, he is suffering from metastatic prostate cancer, which he described as “100% not curable” once it spreads beyond the prostate. Adams stated, “My life expectancy is maybe this summer. I expect to be checking out from this domain sometime this summer” .
Adams explained that he has been using a walker for several months and is in constant pain. “Every day is a nightmare, and evening is even worse,” he said, adding that he does not have good days anymore. He described the pain as “basically intolerable,” and noted that it shifts to different parts of his body, making daily life extremely challenging .
Parallels with President Joe Biden
The timing of Adams’ announcement coincided with news that former President Joe Biden, 82, had also been diagnosed with an aggressive, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. Adams expressed “respect and compassion and sympathy” for Biden and his family, acknowledging the difficult journey ahead for both men .
Adams remarked on the nature of metastatic prostate cancer, explaining, “If it’s localized and it hasn’t left your prostate, it’s 100% curable. But if it leaves your prostate and spreads to other parts of your body, in this case, Joe Biden has it in his bones, it is 100% not curable” .
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Living with Terminal Cancer
Adams reflected on the process of coming to terms with his prognosis. He said he had kept his diagnosis private for some time, wanting to maintain normalcy before becoming “just the dying cancer guy.” Now, with his condition worsening, he felt it was the right moment to share his story, partly to help others understand the realities of living with terminal cancer .
He also discussed the emotional and practical aspects of facing a terminal illness, noting, “It’s kind of civilized that you know about how long you have, so you can put your affairs together and make sure you’ve said your goodbyes and done all the things you need to do.” Despite the intense pain, Adams found a small comfort in having time to prepare for the end .
Facing Public Scrutiny and Controversy
Adams acknowledged that his announcement would likely draw criticism and speculation, especially given his controversial public persona. He anticipated that detractors might blame his illness on various factors, including the COVID-19 vaccine or his past behavior. “People are going to be really, really terrible,” Adams said, noting that he was mentally prepared for negative reactions .
This is not the first time Adams has been at the center of public controversy. In 2023, hundreds of newspapers across the United States dropped “Dilbert” after Adams made racially charged remarks during a webcast, calling Black Americans a “hate group” and saying he would no longer “help Black Americans.” Adams later claimed his comments were hyperbolic but continued to defend his stance, leading to widespread condemnation and the end of his mainstream comic strip career .
The Legacy of Dilbert
“Dilbert” debuted in 1989 and quickly became a cultural touchstone, known for its satirical take on corporate life and office politics. The strip ran in newspapers worldwide for decades, and Adams’ unique humor made him a household name. However, the fallout from his 2023 comments marked a significant turning point, with major publishers severing ties and Adams launching “Dilbert Reborn” independently .
Despite his professional setbacks, Adams remains a notable figure in American pop culture, with an estimated net worth of $20 million. Beyond comics, he has authored books and ventured into business, including a vegetarian food company .
Looking Ahead: Final Reflections
As Adams faces his final months, he continues to update fans on his condition, occasionally appearing on his podcast despite the pain. He has hinted at considering California’s aid-in-dying law, which allows terminally ill patients to end their lives with medical assistance—a process he once advocated for as an activist .
In his own words, Adams summed up his situation: “If you had to pick a way to die, this one’s really painful, like really, really painful. But it’s also kind of good that it gives you enough time while your brain is still working to wrap things up” .
Scott Adams’ journey, marked by both creative achievement and controversy, now enters its final chapter—a candid, public confrontation with mortality, shared with the same unfiltered voice that defined his career.
