They say health is wealth. In a candid conversation on his latest WY Network podcast, NBA legend Dwyane Wade shared an incredibly personal story about his health journey, revealing that over a year ago, he had a cancerous tumor removed from his kidney. Wade, who disclosed that 40% of his right kidney was removed during the procedure, described the diagnosis as “shocking” and recounted how it came after years of neglecting his annual physical exams. The details of his experience were first shared with PEOPLE.
The retired NBA champion explained that his decision to seek medical attention was influenced by his father’s own battle with prostate cancer. He had been experiencing stomach issues, cramps, and a slow urinary stream, which prompted him to finally get checked. Wade recalled, “On the process of checking, like, ‘Why is my piss coming out slow, why is my stream ain’t powerful? Why is it a little weak?’”
A full-body scan revealed a “cyst/tumor” on one of his kidneys, leading to a recommendation for surgery. “And the doctor was like, ‘You need to have kidney surgery,’” Wade said. After consulting with multiple doctors who confirmed the diagnosis, he proceeded with surgery on December 18, 2023. The surgery resulted in the removal of nearly half of his kidney, and it was later confirmed that the tumor was indeed cancerous. Wade, however, did not disclose his current health status.
For the retired star, the experience also offered an unexpected lesson in vulnerability and the importance of family. “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 admitted. “That moment was probably the weakest point I’ve ever felt in my life. The moment I was by myself, I was struggling, dog.”
Despite the obvious physical and expected emotional challenges, Wade reflected on how the experience deepened his understanding of the value of family support. “As a man, you never want your family to see you weak,” he said. “Don’t want to be perceived weak, don’t want to be seen in your weakest moments but I had to. 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.”
Ultimately, Wade was confident that undergoing the surgery was the right 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 explained.
Through this vulnerable journey, Wade not only overcame a serious health scare but also deepened his connection with his loved ones, discovering newfound strength in his family during one of the most challenging times of his life.
Prayers up for D Wade and get checked out if you are at risk for cancer.
