Dick Vitale has been diagnosed with melanoma affecting his lung and liver and will start immunotherapy for his fifth cancer battle. The 86-year-old broadcaster expressed confidence in overcoming this challenge, having previously triumphed over four other cancers.
Dick Vitale announced Monday that he has melanoma in his lung and liver cavity and will begin immunotherapy to battle his fifth form of cancer in the past few years.
āIāve beaten melanoma. Iāve beaten lymphoma. Iāve beaten vocal cord cancer. Iāve beaten lymph node cancer,ā the 86-year-old Vitale said in a statement. āIām 4-for-4 and Iām fully confident Iām going to make it 5-for-5.ā
The Hall of Fame broadcaster for ESPN just completed his 40th season covering college basketball. He announced in February that he was finally cancer-free.
In 2024, Vitale underwent surgery after a biopsy of a lymph node in his neck revealed cancer. It affected his voice, and he was away from ESPN for roughly 18 months before returning in a reduced role.
Vitale joined ESPN just after its launch during the 1979-80 basketball season and called the networkās first college basketball game on Dec. 5, 1979.
Vitaleās Dickie V Foundation raises funds for pediatric cancer research.
āI am truly overwhelmed by the love, support, prayers and messages Iāve received from so many people,ā Vitale said. āIām incredibly blessed to have my family beside me, and my ESPN family ā led by chairman Jimmy Pitaro ā has been absolutely terrific. Their support has inspired me to keep fighting and I will do everything in my power to win another battle.
āThe best news I can share today is this: I feel fantastic.ā
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Q&A
What type of cancer has Dick Vitale been diagnosed with?
Dick Vitale has been diagnosed with melanoma in his lung and liver cavity.
How many times has Dick Vitale battled cancer?
Dick Vitale has battled cancer five times, including melanoma, lymphoma, vocal cord cancer, and lymph node cancer.
What treatment will Dick Vitale undergo for his melanoma?
Dick Vitale will begin immunotherapy to treat his melanoma diagnosis.
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