Longtime college basketball announcer Dick Vitale has reported positive developments in his ongoing battle with cancer, which marks his fifth diagnosis. Vitale, 87, shared on social media that recent blood tests have shown very good results and that his immunotherapy treatments are effectively combating the cancer.
Vitale's health journey with cancer began in 2021 with a melanoma diagnosis. This was followed by diagnoses of lymphoma. In 2023, he learned he had vocal cord cancer. The following year, he was diagnosed with lymph node cancer and underwent surgery.
Throughout his career, Vitale has been a prominent figure in ESPN's college basketball broadcasts. In recognition of his perseverance, he received the Jimmy V Award in 2022. The award is named for the late college basketball coach Jim Valvano, a close friend of Vitale's, who founded The V Foundation for Cancer Research. Vitale has actively supported the foundation for years.
While Vitale made occasional appearances on ESPN last season, he has not yet made announcements regarding his participation in the upcoming season.