In a recent episode of his podcast, three-time NBA champion Dwyane Wade opened up about a significant health scare he experienced over a year ago. Wade underwent surgery in December 2023, during which doctors removed 40% of one of his kidneys. This surgery was followed by a shocking cancer diagnosis that Wade detailed during the Thursday edition of “The Why with Dwyane Wade” podcast.
Wade revealed that a full-body scan had confirmed the presence of a “cyst/tumor” on one of his kidneys. “And the doctor was like, ‘You need to have kidney surgery,’” the 43-year-old retired basketball star recounted.
Despite largely avoiding doctor visits for physical check-ups, Wade finally sought medical attention after experiencing troubling symptoms, including stomach issues, cramps, and difficulty urinating. “On the process of checking, like, ‘Why is my [urine] coming out slow, why is my stream ain’t powerful? Why is it a little weak?’” Wade recalled. Following the removal of a significant portion of his left kidney, doctors determined that the tumor was cancerous.
The health scare left Wade feeling vulnerable, as he described, “I think it was the first time my family, my dad, my kids, they saw me weak. That moment was probably the weakest point I’ve ever felt in my life. … I was struggling, dog. Struggling.” He expressed that as a man, it’s difficult to show weakness, especially to family members.
Wade’s father, Dwyane Wade Sr., has also battled prostate cancer, which added a layer of emotional complexity to Wade’s experience. He shared that during his illness, he realized the importance of family support: “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.”
While Wade did not disclose specific details about his current health status, he has made a remarkable impact on the NBA and beyond. After retiring from the league following the 2018-19 season, Wade became the all-time leader for the Miami Heat in points, assists, and steals. He was also named the NBA Finals MVP in 2006.
In addition to his impressive basketball career, Wade purchased an ownership stake in the Utah Jazz in 2021 and joined the ownership group of the Chicago Sky, a WNBA franchise, in 2023. His journey through health challenges has only deepened his commitment to family and community.