Dick Vitale going through fourth cancer battle sheds light on his broadcasting future: "I would love to be able to sit at courtside"
ESPN college basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale was diagnosed with cancer in his lymph node in late June. He announced that he would undergo another surgery, even though he was declared cancer-free six months ago.
On July 1, Vitale had surgery to take out a cancerous lymph node from his neck, along with 26 nearby lymph nodes. He will then undergo six weeks of radiation therapy after he recovers from the surgery. Besides, he also had 35 radiation treatments for cancer of his vocal cords.
With cancer returning, Vitale is concerned about his future in broadcasting but is determined to continue. This week, he had a short Q&A with Doug Fernandes from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, providing his answers via text.
"Obviously, I would love to be able to sit at courtside and do what I love: talk about what is happening in college basketball," Vitale said. "At this moment, I am simply focusing on what I am currently dealing with and that is to follow the advice of my medical team and become cancer-free at the conclusion of my six weeks of radiation treatments."
"I went through the radiation on my vocal cords and it was successful in wiping the cancer out. I was able to deal with the side effects at that time and I hope I can again."
Dick Vitale, a former NBA coach, had some early signs of cancer on his vocal cords in December 2021. He was diagnosed with pre-cancerous dysplasia and ulcerous lesions. In August 2022, he shared that he was officially cancer-free. However, a year later, Vitale was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer and underwent six weeks of radiation therapy.
Dick Vitale opens up about navigating health struggles
The past couple of years have been difficult for Lakewood Ranch resident Dick Vitale. Since mid-2021, he has been struggling with health issues in some form or another.
When Doug Fernandes asked him about the challenges he faced in maintaining his passion and positive outlook during these uncertain times, Vitale said his family and supporters gave him the strength to persevere.
"It really has been an emotional and mental challenge as I am now going through my fourth cancer battle," Vitale replied. "However, through it all, I have stayed active and been so inspired and motivated by all the prayers and messages I have received from so many... My family support has been vital in my various cancer battles and that is a major plus."
Throughout his 45-year career, Dick Vitale has earned a huge reputation in the broadcasting industry. He won the 2022 Jimmy V Award and received a Lifetime Achievement Sports Emmy Award in 2019.