Dwyane Wade Speaks Out: Reveals Stunning Cancer Diagnosis
Dwyane Wade reveals his cancer diagnosis, resulting in 40% of his kidney being removed. The Chicago native revealed the “shocking” diagnosis and the emotional impact it had on him during the latest episode of his podcast, The Why.
Wade, who is married to actress Gabrielle Union, admitted that he had fallen behind on regular medical checkups since his retirement from the NBA in 2019.
He revealed that his father’s battle with prostate cancer motivated him to seek medical attention after experiencing stomach discomfort, cramps, and trouble urinating. During a procedure on December 18, 2023, a tumor was discovered in his right kidney and removed, later being diagnosed as cancerous.
“My own journey to have that surgery, I think it was the first time that my family, my dad, my kids, they saw me weak,” he shared on the podcast. “That moment was probably the weakest point I’ve ever felt in my life.”
He added that his family was supporting him at such a difficult time.
“What I saw in the midst of me going through my illness, I saw my family that may not always talk, may not always agree. I saw everybody show up for me and be there for me and in that process, in my weakness I found strength in my family,” he mentioned.
During his recovery, the NBA player stated that surgery was the best decision.
“I had a personal decision to make, and what it was was, ‘If this is cancerous, if this tumor, this cyst is cancerous, on your kidney, you’re 41 years old, you probably need surgery because it’s something that needs to be removed so it doesn’t spread,’” he stated.
Wade has two children with his ex-wife Siovaughn Funches: Zaire, 22, and Zaya, 17, along with an 11-year-old son, Xavier, from his relationship with Aja Metoyer. In 2018, he and his wife, actress Gabrielle Union, welcomed a daughter, Kaavia James, now 6. Additionally, Wade serves as the legal guardian of his 21-year-old nephew, Dahveon Morris.
Opening up and embracing his vulnerability was another important lesson Wade gained through the experience. He hopes his story encourages others to stay on top of their health journeys.
