Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Vitale has revealed that he has been diagnosed with melanoma in his lung and liver cavity. He will start treatment soon as he aims to beat cancer yet again.
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The 86-year-old announced the news in a statement on Monday. He said that his oncologist confirmed the diagnosis after a biopsy. As a result, he will undergo immunotherapy.
"I've beaten melanoma. I've beaten lymphoma. I've beaten vocal cord cancer," Vitale said. "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.
"I am truly overwhelmed by the love, support, prayers and messages I've received from so many people" Vitale added. "I'm incredibly blessed to have my family beside me, and my ESPN family — led by Chairman Jimmy Pitaro — has been absolutely terrific. Their support has inspired me to keep fighting and I will do everything in my power to win another battle.
"The best news I can share today is this: I feel fantastic."
Vitale also confirmed that he will not be stepping away from another important role — raising money for pediatric cancer research. They will have their annual Gala on May 1 while trying to raise another $12 million.
"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 added. "No child should ever have to go through what I've experienced."
The former head coach-turned-broadcaster has been battling cancer for several years. He beat melanoma and lymphoma before beating vocal cord cancer in 2023. He then underwent surgery in 2024 due to lymph node cancer.
Vitale has long been an icon of college basketball. He joined ESPN during the 1979-1980 season, and he called the network's first major NCAA game that year. He was inducted into the Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame in 2024 as a recognition of the work he has done while calling well over 1,000 games.
