Dick Vitale Cancer Update: Legendary Announcer Has One Hope Before Treatment

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Dick Vitale Cancer Update: Legendary Announcer Has One Hope Before Treatment

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated May 4, 2026 7:13 AM ET

Dick Vitale, who is is undeniably one of the most popular announcers in college basketball, received unfortunate news about his health recently. The legendary ESPN personality was diagnosed with melanoma affecting his lung and liver in early April, which now requires him to undergo more treatments.

The 86-year-old Vitale has faced several health battles over the past few years. The broadcasting icon was first diagnosed with lymphoma and melanoma in 2021. He was cancer-free by 2022. However, he suffered from vocal cord cancer the following year and had to undergo radiation.

In 2024, Vitale underwent another procedure, this time to address a lymph node in his neck that tested positive for cancer.

Vitale faced all these health issues head-on and won, allowing him to return to the broadcast booth by February 2025.

Dick Vitale, ESPN college basketball commentator.Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

That being said, Vitale is also staying optimistic despite the latest cancer diagnosis. As he takes on another battle with cancer, however, the media icon does have one hope about his upcoming treatment: less side-effects.

"This morning will have consultation with my oncologist as to what preparation do I need as I will do my immunotherapy treatment on Tuesday AM - [Praying] for it to be effective vs the cancer on my lungs & liver - hope minimum side effects," Vitale wrote on X.

This morning will have consultation with my oncologist as to what preparation do I need as I will do my immunotherapy treatment on Tuesday AM -for it to be effective vs the cancer on my lungs & liver - hope minimum side effects .
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) May 4, 2026

Vitale frequently shares updates about his health status on social media, so it's safe to assume that he will also provide more information once he undergoes treatment this week.

While Vitale is facing another personal challenge, it hasn't stopped him from making an impact on the community. He hosted his 21st annual gala last Friday and raised $21 million for pediatric cancer research.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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