Legendary Announcer Dick Vitale Shares Positive Health Update Amid Cancer Battle
Broadcaster Dick Vitale has kept a positive spirit amidst his fifth cancer diagnosis, and his body is responding positively in return. The legendary sports personality has kept his followers updated with his recovery and the latest one should make them happy.
The 86-year-old legend announced last month that he had been diagnosed with melanoma in the lung and liver cavity. He also expressed optimism that he would beat it, just as he did during the previous four times he battled cancer.
"I've beaten melanoma. I've beaten lymphoma. I've beaten vocal cord cancer. I've beaten lymph node cancer," he said in a statement.
"I'm four-for-four and I'm fully confident I'm going to make it five-for-five."
One month later, Vitale appears to be proving himself right. The Hall of Fame broadcaster shared on X that his recovery program has been going well and that his body is responding positively to treatment.
Had exam this morning & happy to report from my oncologist that the bloodwork report was very positive . Now getting IMMUNOTHERAPY treatment ! that these treatments wipe out the Melanoma found in my lungs & liver . Pray for minimum side effects ! pic.twitter.com/WQYlDMr6DX
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) May 19, 2026
His fans, friends and colleague called it an awesome news.
Awesome news @DickieV
— Billy King (@bkdefend) May 19, 2026
In a cross post on Instagram, people find his positivity inspiring.
"Your attitude is amazing!!!! We're all pulling for you!," commenter wrote.
"Great news for a GREAT man!!!," said another.
"You got this Dickie! You are #awesome baby!"
"Get well!! Need you back on Main Street soon!!"
Another user said that Vitale is working with best doctor and the broadcaster confirmed that it's the same doctor he worked with in previous diagnosis.
"Dr Brown is terrific & has helped me in my various cancer battle," Vitale wrote in the reply.
Vitale may be dealing with a serious condition, but he has remained active since April. He watched March Madness and shared his analysis on X. He has also remained an active spectator during the NBA playoffs.
His latest project is the annual Dick Vitale Gala, which will be held in May next year. Now in its 22nd year, the gala is dedicated to helping children battling pediatric cancer and has raised around $105 million over the past two decades.
Vitale is one of the most respected personalities in American basketball. He is well known for his catchphrase, "This is awesome, baby!" which has become the theme of his recent galas.
He briefly coached the Detroit Pistons in the NBA before turning to broadcasting full time. He has been inducted into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.
Related: Legendary Announcer Dick Vitale 'Moved to Tears' After Message From Tom Izzo
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This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 9:03 PM.