Rusty Weiss
College basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale has been the identifiable and lovingly imitated voice of the sport for more than 40 years. When somebody has been a presence in your living room for decades like that, you tend to feel like you know them a little bit.
So when a person like that goes through some difficult times, it affects fans as well. Such is the case with Vitale, who delivered sobering news on Monday, announcing that he has been diagnosed with cancer for the fifth time.
Fifth time. (Bleep) 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 Sobering News — And He’s Already Fighting Back
Vitale shared the update through a statement released by ESPN and on social media, following several days of medical testing that included scans, MRIs, bloodwork, and a biopsy. He noted that the results were not what he had hoped for when his oncologist called, but he now knows exactly what he is facing and will immediately begin immunotherapy treatment.
“I’ve beaten melanoma,” Vitale said. “I’ve beaten lymphoma. I’ve beaten vocal-cord cancer. I’ve beaten lymph-node cancer. I’m 4 for 4, and I’m fully confident I’m going to make it 5 for 5.”
Hell yeah, Dickie V! You’ve got millions of fans pulling for you as well.
“I obviously did not get the report today that I was hoping for when my oncologist called,” he added. “Now at least I know what I face.”
I obviously did not get the report today that I was hoping for when my oncologist called . It has been 10 days of many exams Pet Scan – Cat scan – 2 MRI’s- Biopsy – multiple bloodwork – now at least I know what I face. The Melanoma Lung & liver cavity cancer will mean I will…
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) April 13, 2026
The longtime voice of college basketball, who began his career as a high school coach before rising to prominence at ESPN in 1979, added that he feels “fantastic” and remains motivated at 86 years young. He emphasized his commitment to continuing his work raising money for children battling cancer while expressing gratitude for the life he has lived.
“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,” Vitale said.
The man is still thinking of how he can help others. That’s a testament to his character, for sure.
Dick Vitale’s journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, with scares that would have sidelined the spirit of lesser men. From melanoma to lymphoma and vocal cord cancer, Dickie V has faced it all.
And he’s done so with the utmost grace.
