NBA Hall Of Famer Dwyane Wade Talks Kidney Cancer Dx, Symptoms

Three-time NBA champion with the Miami Heat and NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade is opening up about his kidney cancer diagnosis and subsequent surgery, talking about the importance of regular checkups and early detection.

Kidney is among the most common cancers in the U.S. and Hackensack Meridian Health reminds area residents about the importance of regular visits to primary care doctors and the importance of following recommended cancer screenings.

Dwyane Wade’s Story

The 43-year-old father of five told media outlets he was diagnosed two years ago because his father’s prostate cancer was a wake up call. That, along with other non-specific symptoms he was also experiencing, prompted a visit to his primary care physician, even though he felt “pretty much healthy”, he told Today.com.

Wade told his doctor about his minor stomach pain and his slower urine flow. One MRI led to a specialist and a second MRI confirmed a suspicious mass on Wade’s kidney.

“I talked about just having a slow stream, like sometimes when I would go to the bathroom, my urine would come out a little slow,” Wade said.

“I had some cramps, some pain, a little bit at times in my stomach that I did not understand,” he added. Wade said he ignored these symptoms for a while before asking his doctor.

Wade said he was always the “strong one,” another reason it was especially shocking to find out he had kidney cancer.

Wade’s vigilance meant the cancer was caught early and successfully treated with surgery, to remove 40% of his kidney to treat his stage 1 cancer. While he didn’t delve into further specifics about his treatment or prognosis, his openness about the experience has brought much-needed attention to kidney cancer awareness, during Kidney Health Awareness Month.

Kidney Cancer in the U.S.

The American Cancer Society estimates that over 80,000 new cases of kidney cancer are diagnosed each year, with renal cell carcinoma accounting for the vast majority of these cases. It’s more prevalent in men than women and typically diagnosed in older adults, though it can occur at any age.

Risk factors for kidney cancer include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, family history of the disease, and long-term dialysis treatment. While the exact cause of Wade’s cancer isn’t publicly known, his disclosure serves as a reminder for everyone to be aware of the risk factors and to discuss any concerns with their healthcare providers.

Wade’s decision to share his story has the potential to significantly impact public awareness and encourage proactive health management. His platform as a beloved athlete allows him to reach a broad audience, potentially prompting individuals to schedule checkups, discuss family history with their doctors, and adopt healthier lifestyles. Early detection is crucial in improving kidney cancer outcomes, and Wade’s experience underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive healthcare.

Members of the Department of Urology at Hackensack University Medical Center recently launched the Kidney Cancer Resource Center, an online educational tool for people diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma. The website provides information to help them better understand the disease and explores the various treatment options, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies.

The former Miami Heat player shared a vow he made to himself that day.

“I remember telling myself, if I do come out of this, you know how I’m going to approach life, how I’m going approach every day … I’m going to live for the 24 hours.”

Kidney Cancer Resource Center

The website is a collaborative effort by Hackensack Meridian Health’s leading experts in the field of renal cell carcinoma, including surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, cancer researchers, palliative care providers, and more. Its purpose is to guide patients and their friends, family members, and caregivers through the cancer care journey. Viewers can learn about: