Sports Broadcaster Dick Vitale Reveals Fifth Cancer Diagnosis, Vows ‘I Plan on Winning This Battle’

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TL;DR

Dick Vitale, the 86-year-old ESPN broadcaster, has been diagnosed with melanoma in his lung and liver, marking his fifth cancer diagnosis. He plans to undergo immunotherapy and remains optimistic about winning this battle against cancer.

CraSH/imageSPACE / MEGA **Dick Vitale** is facing cancer once again — but the legendary college basketball voice isn’t backing down. The 86-year-old ESPN broadcaster revealed on Monday, April 13, via a statement from the sports network, that a biopsy confirmed melanoma in his lung and liver cavity, marking his fifth cancer diagnosis. Vitale shared that he will begin immunotherapy soon. “I plan on winning this battle,” Vitale vowed in the 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.” The diagnosis came after 10 days of extensive testing, including a PET scan, CT scan, two MRIs, a biopsy, and multiple rounds of bloodwork, Vitale explained in a post on *X*. Vitale wrote that he “obviously did not get the report” he was hoping for when his oncologist called.

River / MEGA The news follows an update Vitale shared just last week, when he asked fans for prayers after doctors found “abnormalities” in his latest scans, as *Globe* previously reported. At the time, he said his doctors had recommended “additional testing” to “determine next steps.” Despite his health setbacks, Vitale has remained a fixture in college basketball. He has been with ESPN since 1979, calling more than 1,000 games over his career, per *People*. And he continues to focus on helping others. “I’m more motivated than ever to raise money for kids battling cancer,” he said in his statement to ESPN. “No child should ever have to go through what I’ve experienced. 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.” He continued, “The best news I can share today is this: I feel fantastic.” Additionally, Vitale expressed gratitude for the wave of support from fans and family, including wife **Lorraine**, and gave special thanks to his ESPN colleagues for rallying behind him. “I will do everything in my power to win another battle,” he stated.