Dwyane Wade Reveals Subtle Health Concern That Led to Cancer Diagnosis: ‘My Stream Ain’t Powerful’
It’s not easy to talk about personal health issues, especially when it comes to your urine. But Dwyane Wade is doing just that to encourage men to prioritize their health. On the January 30, 2025, episode of his podcast, the 43-year-old revealed that his life changed forever one year ago when he finally went to the doctor for a physical after years of putting it off.
Dwyane Wade receives ‘shocking’ cancer news from his doctor
The first episode of The WY Network, also known as The Why with Dwyane Wade, premiered on January 17, 2024. The 3-time NBA champion and his co-host, filmmaker Bob Metelus, sat down with 2023 Basketball Hall of Fame inductees, Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, and Tony Parker, to discuss personal and professional challenges. Little did listeners know that one month earlier, on December 18, 2023, Wade had 40% of his right kidney removed after finally acknowledging a growing list of physical symptoms.
For years, Wade put off going to the doctor. But he couldn’t ignore the stomach pain, cramps, and urination issues he’d been experiencing. After witnessing his dad’s experience with prostate cancer, he came to terms with a needed visit to the doctor. Wade detailed his health issues on the podcast, “On 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?'”
“As a man, you never want your family to see you weak,” Wade explained. “Don’t want to be perceived weak, don’t want to be seen in your weakest moments but I had to.” He got a full-body scan, which revealed a “cyst/tumor” on his right kidney. After several doctors recommended kidney surgery, Wade had nearly half of the organ removed, resulting in “shocking” news that the tumor was indeed cancerous.
Dwyane Wade was ‘struggling’ at the ‘weakest point’ in his life
“I think it was the first time that my family, my dad, my kids; they saw me weak,” Wade admitted. “That moment was probably the weakest point I’ve ever felt in my life … I was struggling, dog.” The 13-time NBA All-Star isn’t alone in his feelings of weakness. A national survey by the Cleveland Clinic found that 65% of men avoid going to the doctor for as long as possible. Only three out of five men go to the doctor for routine check-ups.
However, receiving regular care involves many life-changing positives. In addition to catching his cancerous tumor before it was too late, Wade said he learned the true meaning of family. The Olympic gold medalist has a blended family that includes his former wife, current wife, four biological children, and nephew. Wade shared, “What I saw in the midst of me going through my illness; I saw my family that may not always talk, may not always agree. I saw everybody show up for me and be there for me and in that process, in my weakness, I found strength in my family.”
Wade did not reveal his current health status on The WY Network podcast. We wish him well on his health journey.