ESPN’s Dick Vitale reveals he has cancer for fifth time

ESPN legendary announcer Dick Vitale announced that he had been diagnosed with cancer for the fifth time.

“Today, my oncologist, Dr. Brown, told me that my biopsy results confirmed the diagnosis of melanoma in the cavities of my lungs and liver,” Vitale, 86, said in a statement. ESPN Monday, April 13th. “I will start immunotherapy soon and I plan to win this battle.”

The sports commentator continued, “I beat melanoma. I beat lymphoma. I beat vocal cord cancer. I beat lymph node cancer. I’m four on four and I have every confidence that I can go five on five.”

Vitale added that he has been “truly overwhelmed by the love, support, prayers and messages” he has received from family, friends, colleagues and fans.

“Their support inspires me to keep fighting and I will do everything in my power to win another fight,” he wrote. “The best news I can share today is: I feel great.”

Vitale also said that in addition to focusing on fighting cancer, he also raises funds for children who have also been diagnosed with cancer and may not have access to the same important health care.

“At 86, I was living a hell of a life and I was more motivated than ever to raise money for kids battling cancer,” he recalled. “No child should have to go through what I went through.”

Vitale revealed that it had raised $105 million ahead of the Dick Vitale Gala on May 1. The fundraiser supports pediatric cancer research and has a goal of raising an additional $12 million.

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Longtime Detroit sportswriter and radio personality Pat Caputo revealed a horrific medical diagnosis while explaining his recent absence from the airwaves. “For those of you wondering where I’ve been: I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, often referred to as a ‘death sentence’, and had two other serious illnesses that landed me in the intensive care unit (…)

In 2021, Vitale underwent treatment for melanoma and lymphoma. That same year, he also underwent surgery for precancerous dysplasia and ulcerative lesions. The following year, Vitale was declared cancer-free. In 2023, he resigned from his position as an ESPN broadcaster after being diagnosed with vocal cord cancer. A year later, Vitale underwent another surgery to remove the cancerous lymph nodes from his neck.

In December 2024, Vitale announced that he cancer free. Sports icons made an emotional return Two months later, he was in the booth preparing for the Duke-Clemson basketball game at Littlejohn Arena in Clemson, South Carolina.

“I want to say thank you to everyone,” Vitale thanked the crowd, who gave him a standing ovation. “The reception here has been amazing. I’m sorry to be so excited – I can’t tell you how excited I am to be here. This is like my Super Bowl.”