Dick Vitale, 86, Reveals Fifth Cancer Diagnosis as Biopsy Confirms Melanoma in Lung and Liver Cavity

Dick Vitale in November 2021
Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Dick Vitale revealed he will begin immunotherapy after a fifth cancer diagnosis following extensive testing
• The ESPN broadcaster has previously overcome four different cancers and remains optimistic about his recovery
• Vitale continues to advocate for pediatric cancer research and aims to raise $12 million at his annual gala in May

Dick Vitale has been diagnosed with cancer for the fifth time, revealing that a recent biopsy confirmed melanoma in his lung and liver cavity.

The longtime ESPN broadcaster, 86, shared the news in a statement from the network posted on Monday, April 13, saying he will begin immunotherapy soon and remains optimistic after previously undergoing treatment for four different cancers in recent years.

“I plan on winning this battle,” Vitale said in a statement. “I’ve beaten melanoma. I’ve beaten lymphoma. I’ve beaten vocal cord 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.”

In a separate post to his own social media page on Monday, Vitale said he had undergone 10 days of testing — including a PET scan, CT scan, two MRIs, a biopsy and multiple rounds of bloodwork — before receiving the diagnosis.

“I obviously did not get the report today that I was hoping for when my oncologist called," he wrote. "Now at least I know what I face."

Dick Vitale on air during the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Final Four championship game in April 2023
Credit: Mitchell Layton/Getty

Vitale has dealt with a series of serious health challenges since 2021. His most recent diagnosis, cancerous lymph nodes, required surgery in 2024.

Despite those setbacks, he has remained a constant presence in college basketball, returning to the airwaves in 2025 after nearly two years away due to treatment.

“I am truly overwhelmed by the love, support, prayers and messages I’ve received from so many people,” he continued in his ESPN statement. “I’m incredibly blessed to have my family beside me, my ESPN family — led by Chairman Jimmy Pitaro — have 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, who has been with ESPN since 1979 and has called more than 1,000 games, remains one of the most recognizable voices in college basketball.

In his statement to ESPN, he also emphasized that his fight continues to fuel his advocacy work for pediatric cancer research.

“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. No child should ever have to go through what I’ve experienced,” he said. “I am grateful beyond words for all of the support I’ve received, and I’m already looking forward to this year’s annual Gala on May 1. I really feel we will raise $12 million to add to the $105 million we’ve already raised, all for pediatric cancer research.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Vitale has long shared motivational messages with his followers on social media. In a March 31 Instagram post, he reflected on perseverance amid difficult moments.

“You must be resilient," he said. "When things get tough and you face those unbelievably tough times, you gotta believe and you gotta be resilient. You got to meet those challenges head on. And you gotta say, ‘You know what? I’m gonna achieve. I’m gonna get it done because I’m a winner. I’m a winner in a game of life. You must believe that, you must feel it, you must think it."

"Make it happen," he added. "It’s up to you.”

Read the original article on People