NBA legend Dwyane Wade is shedding light on the subtle changes in his body that led to his kidney cancer diagnosis, urging men to be proactive about their health.
In an interview aired on March 11, 2025, on TODAY, Wade revealed that he scheduled a routine check-up at age 40 for peace of mind after his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The Symptoms Dwyane Wade Noticed Before Diagnosis
At the time of his appointment, Wade recalled feeling “pretty healthy”, but he mentioned experiencing stomach pain and changes in urination.
“I had a slow stream when urinating, and sometimes I felt cramps and discomfort in my stomach,” he said. “But I didn’t think much of it.”
His physician recommended an MRI scan to investigate his symptoms further. However, the results revealed something unexpected—a suspicious mass on his kidneys.
“I didn’t go in for my kidneys,” Wade recalled. “I went in to check my stomach and prostate.”
The Shocking Diagnosis and Decision to Undergo Surgery
After a second MRI confirmed the presence of the mass, specialists began discussing the possibility of surgery.
“Immediately, I started panicking at the mention of cancer,” Wade admitted. “I struggled to understand how I, a former athlete, could be facing this diagnosis.”
His doctor advised him to remove the lesion immediately, explaining that if it was cancerous, it could spread to his lungs and brain in the next 5–10 years.
On the day of his December 2023 surgery, Wade was accompanied by his wife, actress Gabrielle Union, and his father.
“I told myself, if I come out of this, I’m going to approach life differently. I’m going to live for the present while planning for the future,” he said.
Post-Surgery Recovery and Wake-Up Call
Following the procedure, Wade endured excruciating pain and admitted that being seen as “weak” in front of his wife and kids was difficult. However, he was grateful for their support.
When his doctor later confirmed that the lesion was Stage 1 kidney cancer, Wade felt an immense sense of relief.
“Thank God we caught it early,” he said. “It was about 3 centimeters on my kidney, but it hadn’t grown further.”
Spreading Awareness: Wade’s Message to Men
Despite the fear surrounding his diagnosis, Wade believes the experience gave him clarity about his life and future.
“I spent time journaling and reflecting on what really matters. This has been a transformative moment in my life,” he shared.
Now fully recovered, Wade is using his platform to encourage men to take their health seriously.
“When people hear cancer, they immediately think it’s over,” he said. “But the key is early detection. Too many men ignore symptoms unless they feel something serious. We need to change that mindset.”
By sharing his journey, Wade hopes to inspire others to listen to their bodies, get regular check-ups, and prioritize their well-being.