Legendary college basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale has announced a new cancer diagnosis, revealing that melanoma has been found in his lung and liver cavity. The 86-year-old ESPN icon shared the news through the network's public relations team on Monday.
"Today, my oncologist, Dr. Brown, informed me that my biopsy results confirmed a diagnosis of melanoma in my lung and liver cavity," Vitale stated. "I will be starting immunotherapy shortly and I plan on winning this battle."
Vitale, affectionately known as "Dickie V" to generations of basketball fans, drew strength from his remarkable history of overcoming cancer. He has previously defeated melanoma, lymphoma, vocal cord cancer, and lymph node cancer.
"I've beaten melanoma. I've beaten lymphoma. I've beaten vocal cord cancer. I've beaten lymph node cancer," Vitale declared. "I'm four-for-four and I'm fully confident I'm going to make it five-for-five."
The diagnosis came after concerning results from a recent PET scan. Vitale had expressed anxiety about the biopsy results over the weekend, writing on social media that he couldn't sleep due to worry about the report.
Despite the challenging news, Vitale reported feeling physically well and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support he has received. He noted he's been "overwhelmed by the love, support, prayers, and messages" from fans and colleagues.
Vitale's announcement has sparked an immediate wave of support across the sports world, with many pointing to his previous victories over cancer as evidence of his resilience. The beloved broadcaster, known for his energetic commentary and signature phrases like "Awesome, baby!" now faces his fifth cancer battle with characteristic determination.