Dick Vitale, Sports Broadcaster and Cancer Survivor, Asks for Prayers After ‘Abnormalities’ in New Scans

Dick Vitale is asking for prayers from fans after revealing doctors found some “abnormalities” in his latest medical scans.

“Like countless others, each time I go for any kind of test l am a nervous wreck. The latest example is my scans last week,” the legendary college basketball announcer, 86, said in a statement shared by Josh Krulewitz on Wednesday, April 8. “The anxiousness you feel about the uncertainty is off the charts. You just never know what’s next and it can be surprising or scary.”

He continued, “While I feel great physically and sharp mentally, I heard from my doctors that the latest tests (which included a PET scan then a CAT scan and two MRIs) showed some abnormalities.”

Vitale added that his doctors recommended “additional testing” so that they could “determine next steps.”

“I’m hoping for the best and we will see what the roadmap looks like after an upcoming biopsy,” he said.

Vitale went on to praise The V Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by late basketball coach Jim Valvano that raises money for cancer research.

“Most importantly, your love and prayers mean so much to so many people, including me,” Vitale concluded. “Stay positive, approach life with passion and treat each day with the appreciation it deserves. Thanks for caring!”

Over the last five years, Vitale has been diagnosed with four different types of cancer. In 2021, he was first diagnosed with melanoma and later that same year, he learned that he also had lymphoma. Two years after that, the ESPN hall of famer was diagnosed with vocal cord cancer, and in 2025, he found out he had cancer of the lymph nodes.

However, in January 2025, he had a positive update for fans when he announced he was cancer-free.

“I am absolutely ecstatic and I can’t believe this is happening after going through five major vocal cord surgeries, 65 radiation treatments and chemotherapy for six months,” Vitale said, per ESPN. “It’s been a very tough journey, but all of the prayers and messages from the beautiful fans have inspired me.”