Legendary ESPN announcer Dick Vitale announced he has been diagnosed with cancer for the fifth time.
“Today, my oncologist, Dr. Brown, informed me that my biopsy results have confirmed a diagnosis of melanoma in my lung and liver cavity,” Vitale, 86, said in a statement to ESPN on Monday, April 13. “I will be starting immunotherapy shortly and I plan on winning this battle.”
The sports commentator continued, “I’ve beaten melanoma. I’ve beaten lymphoma. I’ve beaten vocal chord cancer. I’ve beaten lymph node cancer. I’m four-for-four and I’m fully confident I’m going to make it five-for-five.”
Vitale added that he felt “truly overwhelmed by the love, support, prayers and messages” he’s received from family, friends, colleagues and fans.
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“Their support has inspired me to keep fighting and I will do everything in my power to win another battle,” he wrote. “The best news I can share today is this: I feel fantastic.”
Vitale also shared that in addition to focusing on his cancer battle, he is raising money for children who have also been diagnosed with cancer and who likely do not have the same access to vital healthcare.
“At 86 years young, I’ve lived a hell of a life, and I’m more motivated than ever to raise money for kids battling cancer,” he reflected. “No child should ever have to go through what I’ve experienced.”
Vitale revealed that $105 million has been raised ahead of the gala for his Dick Vitale Gala on May 1. The fundraiser supports pediatric cancer research, with the goal of raising an additional 12 million.
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In 2021, Vitale was treated for melanoma and lymphoma. He also underwent surgery for precancerous dysplasia and ulcerous lesions the same year. The following year, Vitale was declared cancer free. He was diagnosed with vocal cord cancer in 2023 and subsequently stepped away from his role as an ESPN announcer. One year later, Vitale underwent another surgery to remove cancerous lymph nodes from his neck.
In December 2024, Vitale announced he was cancer-free. The sports icon made an emotional return to the booth two months later to call the Duke-Clemson basketball game at Clemson’s Littlejohn Coliseum in South Carolina.
“I want to say thanks to all the people,” Vitale told the crowd, who gave him a loud standing ovation. “The reception here has been really off the charts. I’m so sorry for being so emotional — I can’t tell you how excited I am to be here. This is like my Super Bowl.”
