Former NBA superstar Dwyane Wade revealed he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his right kidney. Wade shared details of his health scare on his podcast, The Why with Dwyane Wade, explaining that doctors removed 40% of his kidney on December 18, 2023.
A Shocking Diagnosis for Dwyane Wade
“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,” Wade said. “That moment was probably the weakest point I’ve ever felt in my life.”
The 43-year-old Hall of Famer admitted he had been avoiding a physical for some time. However, troubling symptoms, including stomach cramps and urinary issues, prompted him to see a doctor. A full-body scan revealed a tumor on his kidney, leading to an urgent decision regarding his health.
“I had a personal decision to make,” Wade explained. “If this tumor is cancerous, and I’m 41 years old, I probably need surgery because it’s something that needs to be removed so it doesn’t spread.”
After surgery, doctors confirmed the tumor was cancerous. Wade opened up about how the experience impacted his outlook on life and strengthened his bond with his family.
“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,” Wade said. “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.”
Wade acknowledged the emotional challenge of appearing vulnerable, particularly in front of his loved ones. “One thing you never want to do as a man is let your family see you weak. You don’t want to be perceived as weak, and you don’t want to be seen in your weak moments. But I had to.”
Wade did not share details about his current health but remains active in business and sports ownership. He is a part-owner of the Utah Jazz and the WNBA’s Chicago Sky. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of regular health checkups and the power of family support in difficult times.