Dwyane Wade Reveals Cancer Scare, Partial Kidney Loss

Hometown hero and Hall-of-Famer Dwyane Wade revealed today that he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous kidney tumor in December 2023. The basketball champion also revealed he lost 40 percent of his kidney in the ordeal.

On his podcast, The WY Network, Wade told cohost Bob Metelus his symptoms included stomach issues, cramping, and trouble urinating.

"[In] the process of checking, like — 'Why is my piss coming out slow, why is my stream ain't powerful? Why is it a little weak?'"

Wade's doctors conducted a body scan to get to the root of the issue. "They were able to see something that was on my kidney," said Wade, adding his doctor suggested it was a "cyst/tumor" and recommended kidney surgery.

Wade says he weighed the options and opted for surgery, which ultimately confirmed the tumor was indeed cancerous.

"I think it was the first time my family — my dad, my kids — they saw me weak. That moment was probably the weakest moment I've ever felt in my life."

Wade says he also reached out to former Heat player Alonzo Mourning for support. Mourning retired from the NBA due to complications from kidney disease in 2003 and subsequently underwent a successful kidney transplant.

Incredibly, Wade says he doesn't require much aftercare. Still, the experience has permanently altered his outlook: "I told myself before I went under anesthesia...If the Lord brings me out of this, I'm going to do things differently. And I came out of that, and I've been doing things differently."

Listen to the full conversation below.