Dick Vitale gives positive update on cancer treatment, says bloodwork was 'very good'
College-basketball announcer Dick Vitale is making good progress in his recovery from cancer. Vitale said his bloodwork came back “very good” after he announced in April that he was diagnosed with cancer for the fifth time.
Vitale, 87, gave a brief update on X on Wednesday, saying his immunotherapy treatments “are very effective in wiping out the cancer.”
Just received good news from my oncologist that my bloodwork results were very good. I keep 🙏🙏🙏 that the Immuno Therapy treatments are very effective in wiping out the cancer.
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) August 5, 2026
Vitale first announced his cancer diagnosis in 2021, when he revealed he had melanoma. Months later, he said he was also diagnosed with lymphoma. He was eventually deemed cancer-free, before announcing in 2023 he had vocal-cord cancer.
A year later, he revealed he was diagnosed with lymph node cancer. He underwent surgery to have his lymph nodes removed shortly after that announcement.
In 2025, Vitale again announced he was deemed cancer-free, and that he intended to return to broadcasting games.
Vitale did appear on ESPN a few times, eventually calling a game with Charles Barkley.
Vitale made no declaration about returning to broadcasting in Wednesday’s announcement, though it sounds like his recovery is going well, potentially paving the way for another return to action in the future.
