ESPN Legend Dick Vitale Faces Cancer Again — And Vows to Beat It

ESPN legend Dick Vitale, 86, says he’s battling cancer for the fifth time after a biopsy found melanoma in his lung and liver cavity, with treatment set to begin.

ESPN legend Dick Vitale just shared some tough news — and, true to form, he did it with the kind of defiance that made him a fixture on our TVs for decades.

What he shared today

On Monday, April 13, the 86-year-old announcer said a fresh biopsy confirmed melanoma in his lung and in the area around his liver. His oncologist, Dr. Brown, delivered the results, and Vitale says he will start immunotherapy soon.

"I plan on winning this battle."

He also pointed out that he is, as he puts it, four-for-four: he has already beaten melanoma, lymphoma, vocal cord cancer, and lymph node cancer. He says he feels fantastic right now and has been overwhelmed by the support from family, friends, colleagues, and fans — and that it is keeping him fired up to fight again.

He is not just fighting for himself

Vitale is doubling down on his longtime mission to raise money for kids dealing with cancer. At 86, he says he is more motivated than ever because no child should have to go through what he has endured. Heading into the Dick Vitale Gala on May 1, he says $105 million has already been raised for pediatric cancer research, with a goal to add another $12 million at the event.

The recent roller coaster

• 2021: Treated for both melanoma and lymphoma; also had surgery that year for precancerous dysplasia and ulcerous lesions.
• 2022: Declared cancer-free.
• 2023: Diagnosed with vocal cord cancer and stepped away from ESPN to focus on treatment.
• 2024: Underwent surgery to remove cancerous lymph nodes in his neck.
• December 2024: Announced he was cancer-free again.
• February 2025: Made an emotional return to the booth to call Duke vs. Clemson at Clemson’s Littlejohn Coliseum, where the crowd gave him a roaring ovation. He thanked everyone and admitted he was overwhelmed, saying the moment felt as big as any championship to him.
• April 13 (this year): Reveals the new melanoma diagnosis in his lung and near his liver and says immunotherapy is up next.

Bottom line

It is another brutal chapter for one of TV sports’ most recognizable voices, but Vitale is treating it like another game to win. He feels good, treatment is about to start, and he is still channeling attention and money toward kids who need it most. If history is any indication, you would not bet against him.