Dwyane Wade feels “strong” and “healthy” after his battle with cancer. The NBA Hall of Famer has become an advocate for early detection since his diagnosis, encouraging regular health screenings.
The 43-year-old former basketball star — who is married to actress Gabrielle Union — had a cancerous tumor removed from his kidney in December 2023 and he’s now explained he’s “free” of the disease almost two years after his shock diagnosis. Kidney cancer affects many Americans each year, with early detection significantly improving survival rates.
“It was cancer [but] it was only Stage 1,” he said during an appearance on “Today with Jenna and Friends.” Early detection of kidney cancer substantially increases treatment success and long-term prognosis.
“Thank God that we caught it early. Now I’m back. I’m strong, I’m healthy. I feel great. I’m just a little more cautious … [I’m taking more time to] look around and really smell the moments in life [and] appreciate it all just a little bit more. I feel like one of the lucky ones. I’m cancer free.” Wade‘s perspective reflects what many cancer survivors describe as a renewed appreciation for life’s everyday moments.
During the interview, Wade explained he initially saw a doctor as a precaution because both his father and grandfather had been diagnosed with prostate cancer — and he was blindsided by the results of the tests. Family history is a significant risk factor for many cancers, with genetic connections playing an important role in detection strategies.
“I just started to be like, ‘Okay, well this is probably a part of my genetics and my history, let me go get checked out.’ When I turned 40, I went into the doctor and I was like: ‘Listen, I want to know everything.’ And in the midst of that, I was like: ‘Here are a few things that I’ve been feeling’ … I got a call from my doctor and in the midst of that call, you could just hear her uncertainty. They thought they saw something on my kidney. They were like: ‘Well, we don’t know if it’s cancerous, but there’s something on there.’ ” Medical professionals recommend regular screenings especially for those with family history of cancer.
He went on to have surgery to remove the mass and Wade struggled with the idea of feeling “weak,” and he didn’t want his wife to see him post-op. This emotional response is common among patients who have held positions of strength or leadership throughout their careers.
“No one has ever really experienced me being weak,” the former sports star said. “I’ve always been the strong one, the most confident one, the world champion that has lifted the trophies over his head. That’s the image, but this was a moment where I knew I was going to be uncertain and a little weak … Once I came out of surgery, it was a pain that I had never felt before … [I was] most afraid of being that vulnerable [in front of my wife]. It sounds crazy because those are supposed to be the ones you want to be there in those moments of weakness … but you don’t want them to see you in that space.” Mental health experts note that vulnerability can be particularly challenging for men who have been in the public spotlight.
It comes after Union previously admitted her husband’s cancer journey had been a “challenge.” The couple, who married in 2014, have been open about supporting each other through various health challenges over the years.
Appearing on “The View,” Union admitted it took her “a while” to come to terms with his diagnosis, and her mind immediately went to the “absolute worse-case.” Spouses often experience significant emotional distress following a loved one’s cancer diagnosis.
“You hear cancer [and] you’re paralyzed because you think of the absolute worst-case scenario,” she added. “I’ve had so many friends who are cancer survivors. I didn’t go there; I went to ‘he’s gone.'” This reaction is a common psychological response to hearing a cancer diagnosis.
She also revealed her husband decided not to share the diagnosis with the family for some time. “He didn’t tell everybody. He didn’t even tell our whole family. He really wanted this to be very under the radar. He didn’t tell anyone.” Selective disclosure is a common coping mechanism, allowing patients to process their diagnosis before managing others’ reactions.
