What Dwyane Wade's Story Can Teach Us About Kidney Cancer

On screen

In January 2025, Basketball Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade shared something he had kept private for over a year: in December 2023, surgeons removed a tumor from his kidney — later determined to be cancerous — taking about 40 percent of his right kidney with it, a procedure known as a partial nephrectomy.

The way it was found is the part Wade has emphasized. He admitted he had skipped physicals for a few years. Stomach and urinary issues finally pushed him to see a doctor, and a full-body scan revealed the growth on his kidney. Wade, who spent 16 seasons as one of the NBA's greats and won three championships with the Miami Heat, has since spoken about the experience on his podcast and encouraged others — especially men who avoid the doctor — not to wait. We share only what he has chosen to make public.

The reality

According to the National Cancer Institute, kidney cancer can develop in adults and children, and its main types are renal cell cancer, transitional cell cancer, and Wilms tumor. Renal cell cancer — the most common kidney cancer in adults — forms in the lining of the tiny tubules that filter and clean the blood. NCI notes that signs of renal cell cancer can include blood in the urine and a lump in the abdomen, that smoking and misuse of certain pain medicines can affect risk, and that certain inherited conditions increase the risk of kidney cancer. Surgery to remove the tumor, sometimes along with part of the kidney, is a standard part of treatment for many people.

What the story gets right — and what to remember

Wade's story is honest about the very human part: he put off checkups, and he has said so plainly. His symptoms were vague — stomach and urinary complaints — which is often how the body raises its hand. The lesson is not the scan itself but the visit: he mentioned what he was feeling, and doctors followed the thread. Every situation differs, though. Tumors in the kidney vary, treatments vary, and one athlete's experience is a prompt to engage with your own healthcare team, not a roadmap and not medical advice.

Awareness, screening & prevention

The National Cancer Institute states that it does not have evidence-based information about screening or prevention for kidney cancer — there is no routine screening test for people without symptoms. That makes two ordinary habits the practical takeaway from Wade's story: keep up with regular checkups rather than letting years slip by, and mention changes like blood in the urine, a lump, or persistent discomfort to a healthcare professional. Regular care also keeps you current on the cancers that do have proven screening tests — our free screening check-up tool can show you which ones fit your age and history.

Turning a story into something useful

Wade has said he shared his diagnosis to nudge people — particularly men — to stop postponing the doctor's visit. That is a takeaway anyone can act on this month: book the physical, say the symptom out loud, and let a professional decide if it matters. Learning the basics about kidney cancer and sharing calm, accurate information — while supporting free cancer education — turns a private scare into public good.

Questions to ask a healthcare team

• I have not had a physical in a while — what should a checkup include at my age?
• What symptoms could suggest a kidney problem, and when do they warrant imaging?
• If a kidney tumor were found, what would the treatment options be?
• What does recovery and follow-up look like after kidney surgery?