Dick Vitale Says His Vocal Cord Cancer Is ‘Gone’ but Will Wait to Return to ESPN Broadcasting Job

The legendary announcer shared that he had vocal cord cancer in July, following two other cancer diagnoses

Dick Vitale’s cancer is in remission, the legendary ESPN announcer said on Monday.

While the 84-year-old broadcaster — who shared in July that he had been diagnosed with vocal cord cancer — intends on calling games this basketball season, he won’t immediately be able to do so.

"While I'm disappointed with the latest developments, I remain hopeful," Vitale said in a statement, according to ESPN. "The cancer is gone, which is amazing news, yet the impact of the treatments has taken its toll on my voice and requires more healing."

He continued, "With the season started, I am jumping out of my shoes to be back in the college basketball arenas, calling the game I love and being around so many great colleagues and fans. I have to listen to the medical experts, who have been so good to me, and with some more rest, I know I will be back for my 45th season. I've been so touched by the amazing response I've received."

Related: ESPN Broadcaster Dick Vitale Reveals Vocal Cord Cancer 2 Years After Lymphoma Diagnosis

On X (formerly known as Twitter), Vitale added that he would continue receiving treatment "to get my voice back."

"I had such expectations when I learned that the 35 radiation treatments wiped out the cancer on my vocal cords," he wrote. "However due to the cancer & intense radiation it created other problems on my vocal cords." He added that he was "heading to see Dr Zeitels in Boston on Thursday as I will keep fighting this battle to get my voice back."

In July, he shared in a statement the “tough news” about his health.

"The tests on the tissues they removed showed that I have vocal cord cancer and will need 6 weeks of radiation to treat it.,” he wrote. “Dr. Z tells me that it has an extremely high cure rate, and that radiation, not more surgery, is the best path."

Vitale, who has been at ESPN since the network launched in 1979, said at the time that he planned to "fight like hell" to be prepared to return to the network at the start of basketball season. He added that he was "so touched" by the support he received from fans.

Last month, Vitale disclosed that he had not spoken for seven months due to the cancer. “This is the first time I’ve been able to speak,” he said in the video, explaining, “I’m gonna do it in moderation for the next couple weeks.”

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Related: Dick Vitale, 84, Speaks in Emotional Video After 7-Month Silence Due to Vocal Cord Cancer

Vitale was previously diagnosed with lymphoma and treated for melanoma in 2021.

The former basketball coach announced in an October 2021 essay for ESPN's Front Row that he had been diagnosed with lymphoma, or cancer of the lymphatic system, weeks after sharing his melanoma diagnosis. In August 2022, Vitale shared on Twitter that his doctor cleared him of cancer.

While teasing two ESPN games airing Tuesday night in his post on X, Vitale also shared his gratefulness at the support he has received.

"Thanks to many of you that have sent me prayers and love wishing me the best in my battle to get my voice healthy," he wrote.

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