Dwyane Wade Opens Up About Life-Changing Kidney Cancer Diagnosis and Surgery

Dwyane Wade is reflecting on how a routine health checkup turned into a life-altering cancer diagnosis, ultimately leading to the removal of 40% of his kidney.

The 43-year-old NBA legend shared his experience on the Jan. 30 episode of his podcast, The Why With Dwyane Wade. What began as a simple inquiry about minor health concerns—such as stomach discomfort and a weaker urine stream—ended with doctors discovering a tumor on his right kidney.

A Routine Checkup That Led to a Shocking Discovery

Since retiring from the NBA in 2019, Wade admitted he had not been keeping up with regular medical checkups. However, after his father underwent surgery (Wade did not disclose details of the procedure), he decided to schedule a full-body exam for himself.

Initially, he expected nothing serious—just answers to some nagging questions.

"Why is my p--- coming out slow? Why is my stream not powerful? Why is it a little weak?" Wade recalled wondering.

With his father’s health history on his mind, he opted for a full-body scan, which revealed an unexpected and alarming finding—a tumor on his kidney.

"I didn’t go in for my kidneys," Wade explained. "But because I did the full-body scan, they saw something."

A Life-Saving Surgery

Since the tumor couldn’t be biopsied, surgery was the only way to determine whether it was cancerous. On Dec. 18, 2023, Wade underwent surgery to remove 40% of his kidney—a decision that ultimately saved his life.

"Thank God that I did do the surgery, right?" Wade said. "Because the tumor was cancerous."

Facing Vulnerability and Family Support

Beyond the physical challenges, the post-surgery period brought an unexpected emotional toll. Wade, a father of five, admitted that this was the first time his family had ever seen him in such a vulnerable state.

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

"One thing you never want to do as a man? You never want your family to see you weak."

The Importance of Early Detection

According to the Cleveland Clinic, kidney tumors can be treated through surgery or other therapies, but early detection is crucial for a successful outcome. Wade’s experience highlights the importance of regular health screenings, even for those who feel otherwise healthy.

His story serves as a powerful reminder that proactive health care can be life-saving—and that vulnerability, even in moments of weakness, is a part of the human experience.