Dwyane Wade, the Hall of Fame basketball star, has opened up about his startling diagnosis of kidney cancer and the surgery to remove part of his kidney during the latest episode of his podcast. The 43-year-old NBA legend disclosed on January 30, 2025, how he had 40% of his right kidney removed after discovering the cancerous tumor on December 18, 2023.
Wade discussed on his podcast, titled "The Why with Dwyane Wade," how years of neglecting routine physicals led to serious health concerns. The catalyst for Wade’s medical visit was inspired by his father's battle with prostate cancer. After experiencing symptoms such as stomach cramps and slowed urination, he resolved to consult a doctor, which led to the shocking discovery. "I had been having stomach issues, cramps and I was urinating slowly," Wade recalled, questioning why his urine stream was weak. His decision to get screened unlocked results he had not anticipated—an alarming discovery of a tumor on his kidney.
"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?’" he said. A full-body scan revealed the tumor and the recommendation to undergo surgery was made. Wade faced uncertainty as he grappling with the fact he might have cancer. He reflected on the importance of making the necessary choice, determining, "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 to be removed so it doesn’t spread." After consulting multiple doctors, he opted for the surgery.
The surgery resulted in the removal not just of the tumor but also of nearly half of his right kidney, with doctors confirming the malignancy shortly after. Wade shared candidly, "That moment was probably the weakest point I’ve ever felt in my life." His vulnerability was exposed, and he acknowledged the difficulty this posed not just for him but for his family. The emotional fallout was significant, noting, "My own family saw me weak for the first time... what I saw was my family show up for me and be there for me."
Through his experience, Wade emphasized the gain of perspective on health and family. "What I saw in the midst of me going through my illness, I found strength within my family." He expressed gratitude for their unwavering support throughout the ordeal. The emotional bonding during this health crisis highlighted for him how important it is to take care of oneself and to be open about vulnerabilities.
It's been more than a year since the surgery, and Wade has since vowed to maintain his health and encourage men, particularly those who, like him, may avoid health checkups, to take them seriously. "I hadn’t been keeping up with regular physicals since I retired from the NBA. It made me realize how important it is to check-in on yourself, especially as we get older," he stated, underlining the necessity for proactive health management.
Wade’s cancer battle resonates well beyond the basketball court, serving as an intersection of personal struggle and health advocacy. While having been decorated on the court as one of the NBA's all-time greats, having won three championships with the Miami Heat, Wade's narrative has expanded beyond sports. His recent candid discussions show his commitment to using his platform to raise awareness around health issues.
Wade, now balancing life post-retirement with family responsibilities and professional projects including entertainment and broadcasting, reminds fans and followers to appreciate life and support one another. His emotional candidness encourages those grappling with health issues to seek help and stay grounded amid challenges.
Those staying connected to Wade’s story know his heartfelt impacts extend beyond basketball. His resilience is paved with lessons about the importance of health awareness, emotional openness, and family unity during tough times. His legacy, both through sports and personal challenges, remains inspiring, continuing to make strident waves.
With his health on the mend, Wade’s future looks poised for continued engagement with fans and health initiatives as he leverages his voice for good, inspired by the lessons learned from his experience. His story serves as not just information, but as inspiration for many to lead healthier lives and prioritize their well-being.
Dwyane Wade’s remarkable narrative continues to evolve both on and off the court, and his courageous openness about confronting and overcoming health crises will surely leave a lasting legacy.