Dick Vitale Announces Fifth Cancer Diagnosis

Legendary broadcaster to undergo immunotherapy for melanoma in lung and liver

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:30am

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A translucent, ghostly X-ray image revealing the internal structures of Dick Vitale's lungs and liver, with faint glowing areas indicating the presence of cancerous growths.An X-ray view of Dick Vitale's ongoing battle with cancer, as the legendary broadcaster faces his fifth diagnosis with characteristic optimism.Garfield Today

College basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale, 86, announced he has been diagnosed with melanoma in his lung and liver cavity, marking his fifth cancer diagnosis. Vitale, who has beaten melanoma, lymphoma, vocal-cord cancer, and lymph-node cancer in the past, said he is confident he will make it '5 for 5' and beat this latest challenge. He will immediately begin immunotherapy treatment.

Why it matters

Vitale is one of the most iconic and beloved figures in college basketball, having provided countless memorable calls and analysis for ESPN since the network's launch in 1979. His ongoing health battles have been closely followed by fans, and this latest diagnosis highlights the challenges he has faced in recent years while remaining dedicated to the sport he loves.

The details

A biopsy confirmed the 86-year-old Vitale has melanoma in his lung and liver cavity. This is the fifth time Vitale has been diagnosed with cancer, having previously beaten melanoma, lymphoma, vocal-cord cancer, and lymph-node cancer. Vitale said he has gone through days of testing, including scans, MRIs, and bloodwork, to confirm the diagnosis. He will now begin immunotherapy treatment to combat the latest cancer.

  • On Monday, April 14, 2026, Vitale announced his fifth cancer diagnosis.

The players

Dick Vitale

An 86-year-old legendary college basketball broadcaster who has worked for ESPN since the network's launch in 1979. Vitale has now been diagnosed with cancer five times, including this latest case of melanoma in his lung and liver.

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What they’re saying

“I've beaten melanoma. I've beaten lymphoma. I've beaten vocal-cord cancer. I've beaten lymph-node cancer. I'm 4 for 4 and I'm fully confident I'm going to make it 5 for 5.”

— Dick Vitale, College Basketball Broadcaster

“At 86 years young, I've lived a hell of a life, and I'm more motivated than ever to raise money for kids battling cancer.”

— Dick Vitale, College Basketball Broadcaster

What’s next

Vitale will immediately begin immunotherapy treatment to combat the melanoma in his lung and liver cavity.

The takeaway

Despite facing his fifth cancer diagnosis, the iconic Dick Vitale remains optimistic and determined to beat this latest challenge, just as he has done with his previous four cancer battles. Vitale's unwavering spirit and dedication to raising awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research have made him a beloved figure in the college basketball community.