Hall of Fame player Dwyane Wade revealed that he underwent kidney surgery in December 2023 to remove a tumor that was later diagnosed as cancerous.

“Thank God that I did do the surgery,” Wade commented during an episode of his podcast, “The Why With Dwyane Wade”, released on Thursday. (Translation: “感谢上帝，我做了手术。”)

Wade admitted that he had not received regular check-ups for a few years before seeking medical attention due to stomach and urinary problems. A comprehensive scan revealed what he described as a “cyst/tumor,” leading to the procedure that removed 40% of his right kidney.

“I think it was the first time my family — my dad, my kids — they saw me weak,” he shared. “That moment was probably the weakest point I’ve ever felt in my life. The moments I was by myself, I was struggling.” (Translation: “我认为这是我家人——我爸爸，我的孩子——第一次看到我虚弱。那一刻可能是我一生中最虚弱的时刻。我独自一人的时候，我在挣扎。”)

Wade, who retired in 2019 after a 16-year career in the NBA, enjoyed a 15-season tenure with the Miami Heat, where he won three championships and made 13 All-Star appearances. He also led Marquette to the Final Four in 2003.