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Gabrielle Union Spoke Out For The First Time On Dwyane Wade's Cancer Diagnosis: "It Was A Challenge"

Mychal Thompson
·3-min read

Gabrielle Union is speaking out for the first time about Dwyane Wade's cancer diagnosis.

Two people pose on the red carpet. One wears a plaid dress, and the other wears a denim jacket with a turtleneck
Two people pose on the red carpet. One wears a plaid dress, and the other wears a denim jacket with a turtleneck

For context, on Jan. 30, during an episode of his podcast, The Why with Dwyane Wade, the former NBA basketball player recalled a routine checkup that revealed a life-altering cancer diagnosis.

Basketball player in Miami Heat jersey looks focused during a game
Basketball player in Miami Heat jersey looks focused during a game

Dwyane admitted that he hadn't had any medical checkups since playing for the NBA in 2019. It was his father undergoing surgery that prompted him to finally schedule an exam for himself.

A person sits on a chair, wearing a textured sweater and pants, with a relaxed pose, attending an event
A person sits on a chair, wearing a textured sweater and pants, with a relaxed pose, attending an event

During the visit, Dwyane shared minor health concerns, including stomach pains and a weak urine stream, which led to doctors discovering a tumor on his right kidney. "Why is my piss coming out slow? Why is my stream ain't powerful? Why is it a little weak?" he recalled.

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"I didn't go in for my kidneys," Dwyane said. "But because I did the full-body scan, they saw something." Surgery was the only solution to determine if it was cancerous, and on Dec. 18, 2023, Dwyane had lifesaving surgery to remove 40% of his kidney.

Person wearing a sleek leather jacket stands with arms crossed, looking at the camera, in a dimly lit event space
Person wearing a sleek leather jacket stands with arms crossed, looking at the camera, in a dimly lit event space

"Thank God that I did do the surgery, right?" Dwyane added. "Because the tumor was cancerous."

On Feb. 26. Gabrielle appeared on Today and shared how Dwyane's "traumatic" diagnosis affected their family.

"It was year nine of our marriage, and he's talked about it," Gabrielle said. "Year nine was very hard. When he mentioned year nine being hard, he didn't reveal his cancer diagnosis and his own cancer journey."

Woman in a sleeveless turtleneck top sits on a couch during an interview
Woman in a sleeveless turtleneck top sits on a couch during an interview

On Aug. 30, 2024, Gabrielle posted photos and videos to Instagram to celebrate their 10th anniversary. In a video included in the post, Dwyane told the crowd, “Year nine was hard for us,” he told a crowd while standing on a balcony. “We were kind of reminiscing how we got to even here."

Two people on the red carpet; one in a sequined gown and the other in a tailored suit, standing together and holding hands
Two people on the red carpet; one in a sequined gown and the other in a tailored suit, standing together and holding hands

“Thank you for being there to show me all of the things I forget along the way. Thank you for continuing to show me that you ain’t going nowhere. That you’re willing to love me through shortcomings I’ve had and the moments of growth that I have. So, thank you for teaching me, thank you for believing in me."

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It wasn't clear what hardship Dwyane was referencing back then until this year when he revealed his diagnosis. Talking with Jenna Bush Hager and guest cohost Heather McMahan, Gabrielle said, "Obviously, him getting that diagnosis was traumatic for him, you know, being faced with your own mortality in your early 40s," she said. "You're like, 'Am I going to be here to see my family? Who am I without this big life? Without this healthy body?'"

Three women sit on a talk show set with floral decor, engaging in conversation. The setting appears casual and relaxed
Three women sit on a talk show set with floral decor, engaging in conversation. The setting appears casual and relaxed

"But you also don't understand the journey and the toll it takes on your marriage, on your family, on your kids," Gabrielle continued. "He was a little more hesitant to take us on that journey of healing."

A person is seated, speaking, and gesturing with hands during an interview. The person is wearing a sleeveless turtleneck top
A person is seated, speaking, and gesturing with hands during an interview. The person is wearing a sleeveless turtleneck top

"That level of vulnerability, to go through removal of a good chunk of his kidney and the healing that involved, he needed us to be OK with his vulnerability. But more than that, he needed to be OK with his vulnerability," she said. "It was a challenge to give grace and receive it."

Person in a sleeveless turtleneck top sits on a sofa, gesturing as if speaking during an interview. Background is blurred for focus on the subject
Person in a sleeveless turtleneck top sits on a sofa, gesturing as if speaking during an interview. Background is blurred for focus on the subject

Gabrielle and Dwyane have been married for 10 years and have a blended family of four children — daughter Kaavia James and three children from Dwyane's previous relationships, Zaire, Zaya, and Xavier.

Group on red carpet; man in white suit, woman in black gown, child in front wearing white dress; event backdrop with “Statues Are Forever” text
Group on red carpet; man in white suit, woman in black gown, child in front wearing white dress; event backdrop with “Statues Are Forever” text

The couple have been an example for years, sharing intimate details of their marriage and parenthood, maintaining their professional careers, and advocating for others against all odds.

Watch Gabrielle's full interview with Today here: