NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade surprised everyone by saying he underwent major surgery to remove nearly half of his kidney due to a cancerous tumor.

The 43-year-old NBA legend discusses his experience on the latest episode of The Why with Dwyane Wade, detailing the life-changing procedure he had just over a year ago.

How Wade Found Out That He Has Cancerous Mass on Kidney

According to The Independent, Wade explained that his health concerns began with persistent cramping in his stomach and issues with his urine flow.

Concerned about his symptoms, he sought medical attention, leading doctors to perform a series of tests. The results were alarming—specialists discovered a tumor on his right kidney, requiring immediate surgical intervention.

Because the tumor is located in that area, surgeons decided to simply remove it, hoping that during the process, it would be shown whether it was malignant or benign. This involved a partial nephrectomy by Wade, with 40 percent of his kidney being removed because all cancer should be removed with it.

Wade Struggled During the Recovery Period

On December 18, 2023, Wade went under the knife. The surgery was a success, but the recovery was far from easy.

The former Miami Heat star admitted that he struggled immensely during the healing phase, describing it as one of the toughest battles he has faced.

"I was struggling, dawg," Wade admitted, tackling the struggles about the physical and emotional toll the procedure took on him.

Fortunately, the former Heat shooting guard is doing better and still in good spirits. His courage in sharing his battle with cancer inspires fans and, at the same time, calls the attention of people and athletes to the importance of prioritizing health.

What Wade Said: 'Get Checked Regularly

After his ordeal, Wade is calling on others to take their health seriously. According to TMZ Sports, he stressed the importance of regular checkups and early detection, which could mean the difference between life and death.

The NBA legend hopes that by sharing his story, he can encourage others to listen to their bodies and seek medical attention before it's too late.

Reminder of Health's Importance

Dwyane Wade's confession reminds us that even the best athletes are not exempt from health issues. It does not mean that if you exercise regularly or eat healthy food, you are already spared from getting a serious disease.

His story brings into focus the importance of early detection, regular check-ups, and the courage to open up about personal struggles.

As Dwyane Wade recovers, his message remains loud and clear: take care of your health because no one is invincible.