ESPN Reporter Dick Vitale’s Fifth Cancer Diagnosis

ESPN college basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale, 86, announced in April 2026 that he had just received his fifth cancer diagnosis.

Dick Vitale, also known as "Dickie V", has been a basketball broadcaster with ESPN since 1979 and was a former head basketball coach. He is well-known for his iconic catchphrases, including "Awesome, baby!" and "Diaper Dandy".

In a statement shared by ESPN, Vitale shared that his oncologist had confirmed that melanoma was present in his lungs and liver. According to Vitale, he “will be starting immunotherapy shortly and plan on winning this battle.”

Unfortunately, ‘scanxiety’ has affected Vitale quite strongly. The announcer shared: “Each time I go for any kind of test, I am a nervous wreck.” Prior to this diagnosis, he had just undergone another series of biopsies, after his doctors had noticed some abnormalities.

He described it as follows: “The anxiousness you feel about the uncertainty is off the charts. You just never know what’s next, and it can be surprising or scary.”

Vitale has been fighting cancer since 2021, and has previously been diagnosed with: melanoma (2021), lymphoma (2021), vocal cord cancer (2023) and lymph node cancer (2024).

According to Vitale, his previous battles have been difficult. “There were times I didn’t know if I’d wake up the next morning,” Vitale shared in an interview with SEC Sports. “I remember that night in the hospital, my family left and I cried, thinking I’d never see them again.”

What gave him hope was how everyone he knew kept encouraging him. Even at his lowest, he relied on the messages of support for strength – all telling him “to keep fighting”.

After battling his previous cancers from 2021 to 2024, Vitale had just returned to work in February 2025. His return to the game was emotional, and he broke down into tears while expressing how grateful he was for all the support and love he had received, during his recovery journey.

While he continues to remain passionate about his work, Vitale has been careful about following his doctor’s orders, and limits the number of interviews and appearances he makes.

Vitale has long been a champion for pediatric cancer research. Since 1993, he has pushed to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research through the V Foundation, raising over $105 million USD.

On May 1st, 2026, the 21st Annual Dick Vitale Gala will be held in Florida, continuing his fundraising efforts.