Basketball Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade revealed in a recent podcast that he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his right kidney in December 2023. In a candid conversation on The Why with Dwyane Wade, the 43-year-old former NBA star shared the health scare he faced and the emotional journey that followed.
Wade first noticed troubling changes in his health when his urination became slower and weaker. Concerned, he sought medical attention and underwent a full body scan. The scan revealed a possible cyst or tumor on his kidney. “They were able to see something that was on my kidney,” Wade explained. After further tests, doctors advised surgery, as the tumor was inoperable for biopsy.
At just 41 years old, Wade was faced with a difficult decision. “If this is cancerous, if this tumor is cancerous, you probably need surgery because it’s something that needs to be removed so it doesn’t spread,” Wade recalled. He sought multiple medical opinions to ensure the diagnosis was accurate.
Doctors ultimately removed 40 percent of his right kidney. “Thank God that I did the surgery, right, because the tumor was cancerous,” Wade said, expressing gratitude for the timely procedure.
The experience marked one of the most vulnerable moments in Wade’s life. “I think it was the first time my family, my dad, my kids, they saw me weak,” he admitted. “That moment was probably the weakest point I’ve ever felt in my life.” Despite the physical and emotional toll, Wade found strength through the support of his family. “In that process of my weakness, I found strength in my family,” he said.
Wade, who celebrated his 43rd birthday on January 17, was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023. A five-time NBA All-Star, Wade played 16 seasons, including 14 with the Miami Heat, where he secured three NBA championships in 2006, 2012, and 2013. He also had brief stints with the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers before retiring.
The health scare has brought a new perspective to Wade, who now emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and leaning on loved ones during challenging times. His openness about the experience serves as a reminder that even the strongest athletes are not immune to life’s hardships.