ESPN college basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale has shared a positive health update after blood tests came back very good during his fifth cancer battle. The 87-year-old revealed in April that biopsy results confirmed melanoma in his lung and liver cavity, coming one year after he was declared cancer-free.
In his first update since revealing that diagnosis, Vitale posted on X on Wednesday to share news from his oncologist. "Just received good news from my oncologist that my bloodwork results were very good. I keep [praying] that the Immuno Therapy treatments are very effective in wiping out the cancer," Vitale wrote.
The post quickly went viral as fans sent congratulations and wishes for his recovery. One fan wrote: "This is great news! I'm so happy to hear the treatment is working! Hopefully you'll be done with the treatments soon, in remission and back behind the microphone where you belong."
Cancer Diagnoses and Health History
Vitale began his first battle with cancer in August 2021 when doctors removed a melanoma. In October 2021, he was diagnosed with lymphoma and sought treatment. In December of that year, he was diagnosed with pre-cancerous dysplasia and ulcerous lesions on his vocal cords, losing his voice for four months.
He was declared cancer-free for the first time in August 2022. The disease returned in July 2023 as laryngeal cancer, which required weeks of radiation therapy before he was declared free from cancer a second time in December 2023. A third battle began on June 28, 2024, when he was diagnosed with lymph node cancer, completing that treatment in December 2024.
Coaching and ESPN Career
Before his broadcasting career, the beloved commentator served as the head coach at the University of Detroit Mercy and later as the head coach of the Detroit Pistons. He has worked as a broadcaster for ESPN since 1979, which was the same year the network was founded.
Vitale called his first NCAA Tournament game on television this year. He joined Brian Anderson and Charles Barkley to broadcast a First Four matchup between NC State and Texas in March.