College basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale has been a recognizable and lovingly emulated voice of the game for more than 40 years. When someone has been in your living room for decades, you feel like you know them a little bit.
So when someone like that goes through tough times, it impacts the fans too. Such is the case with Vitale, who delivered serious news on Monday by announcing that he has been diagnosed with cancer for the fifth time.
Fifth time. (voice) Cancer, as they say.
The 86-year-old icon revealed that a recent biopsy confirmed melanoma in his lung and liver cavity.
Dick Vitale Just Delivered Grim News — And He’s Already Fighting Back
Vitale shared the update via a statement released to ESPN and social media after several days of medical testing, which included scans, MRI, bloodwork and a biopsy. He noted that the results were not what he had hoped for when his oncologist called, but now he knows exactly what he is facing and will begin immunotherapy treatment immediately.
“I beat melanoma,” Vitale said. “I’ve beat lymphoma. I’ve beat vocal-rod cancer. I’ve beat lymph-node cancer. I’m 4 for 4, and I’m pretty confident I’m going to make it 5 for 5.”
Yes, Dickie Wee! Millions of your fans are also attracted towards you.
“I obviously didn’t get the report I was expecting today when my oncologist called,” he said. “At least now I know what I have to face.”
I obviously didn’t get the report I was expecting today when my oncologist called. It’s been 10 days of multiple exams – PET scan – CAT scan – 2 MRI’s – biopsy – multiple bloodwork – now at least I know what I’m facing. Melanoma lung and liver cavity cancer would mean that I…
– Dick Vitale (@DickieV) 13 April 2026
The longtime voice of college basketball, who began his career as a high school coach before rising to prominence at ESPN in 1979, said he feels “fantastic” and remains motivated at age 86. He expressed gratitude for his life and emphasized his commitment to continue his work to raise funds for children battling cancer.
“At 86, I’ve lived a hell of a life and I’m more motivated than ever to raise money for kids battling cancer,” Vitale said.
The man is still thinking about how he can help others. This is certainly a testament to his character.
Dick Vitale’s journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, filled with scares that would have defied the spirit of lesser people. From melanoma to lymphoma to vocal cord cancer, Dickie V has faced it all.
And he has done so with utmost grace.
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