Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

NBA Star Dwyane Wade Recalls How A Routine Checkup Turned Into Cancer Diagnosis- Know Why Screenings Are Crucial

NBA star Dwyane Wade said what started as a routine health check quickly became a life-changing moment after doctors discovered a cancerous tumor on his right kidney. The basketball icon, 43, shared his story on the Jan. 30 episode of his podcast, The Why With Dwyane Wade, discussing how a minor health concern was something that forced him to confront his mortality.

Most would not mind their routine doctor checkups for such conditions do not manifest apparently in their system. But with what Wade has just experienced, preventive health screenings indeed prove useful. He sought consultation because he experienced discomfort in the stomach area, and urine is weak, he wanted the examination to be total since prostate cancer is manifested within his lineage.

"Because I did the full-body scan, they were able to see my entire body, my entire inside, and they were able to see something that was on my kidney — on my right kidney," Wade revealed.

After more tests, doctors told him that the tumor was probably cancerous and needed to be operated on immediately. On Dec. 18, 2023, Wade had a procedure to remove 40% of his right kidney, which turned out to be a life-saving decision. Post-surgical testing confirmed the presence of cancerous cells, validating the necessity of the operation.

"Thank God that I did do the surgery," Wade said, emphasizing the importance of early detection.

<h2>Why <span rel="noindex">Cancer Screening</span> Matter</h2>

Cancer story of Wade should remind us more of the great role cancer screening plays in detection of diseases prior to progression. Cancer is simply known as a "silent killer" because early stages can hardly be diagnosed even when it takes place without or with few apparent symptoms. So, when clear symptoms manifest the disease might be at an already dangerous stage such that treatment turns out to be difficult.

Cancer screening is a regimen of preventive medical tests conducted to detect cancer or potential precancerous changes before they culminate into major health issues. Regular screening has been known to prevent a massive number of deaths by detecting the cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage.

<h2>Essential Cancer Screenings Everyone Should Get</h2>

Wade's case brings out the essence of every cancer type screening. Here are some of the most crucial tests that professional health persons recommend:

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. It can significantly improve survival rates through early detection through mammograms. A mammogram detects cancer before a lump can be felt; hence early treatment would be highly effective. According to the American Cancer Society, women should annually undergo mammograms starting at 40 years of age. The frequency varies as per individual risk factors.

Routine Pap smears and HPV tests can prevent cervical cancer by identifying precancerous changes in the cervix. The HPV test detects the human papillomavirus, a major cause of cervical cancer, while the Pap test detects abnormal cells that can become cancerous. Women should start screening at age 21, and subsequent screenings depend on previous test results and risk factors.

The major cancer of the colon or rectum is often developed from precancerous polyps in these areas, which, if found and removed before turning into cancer, can prevent the latter. Early-stage colorectal cancer can be identified through screening methods such as colonoscopies, stool tests, and other approaches. The USPSTF has set regular screening to begin at age 45.

Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer, often diagnosed too late for effective treatment. However, individuals with a history of heavy smoking can benefit from annual low-dose CT scans (LDCT). The USPSTF recommends lung cancer screening for individuals aged 50-80 who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.

Kidney cancer, which was the kind Wade received his diagnosis for, usually is only identified during routine tests meant for other medical conditions. Symptoms like blood in the urine, chronic backache, or weight loss for no reason surface much later when these symptoms have reached advanced stages. There isn't a proper screening test for kidney cancer. Nonetheless, people experiencing those risk factors—like family history, high blood pressure, or smoking—are advised to seek more information on screening opportunities from their doctors.

Wade's story is a wake-up call for people who do not pay attention to their health until an issue occurs. He chose to get a full-body scan, which resulted in the early detection and successful treatment of the condition, probably saving his life.

"I didn't want to leave anything to chance," Wade said on his podcast. He addressed minor symptoms and pushed for comprehensive testing, which ultimately resulted in a positive outcome.

While professional athletes may seem invincible, Wade’s experience highlights that health concerns can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level or lifestyle.

Routine medical checks-up, lifestyle change, and regular screenings result in reducing the risk of serious health conditions. In addition to these cancer screenings, it is also essential for proper nutrition, being active, managing stress, or at least avoiding harmful habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.

The revelation by Dwyane Wade about his cancer diagnosis highlights the need for proactive health care. His experience underscores the value of early detection, regular screening, and being vigilant about one's health. More lives can be saved with medical advancements through the awareness and preventive measures adopted.

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NBA star Dwyane Wade said what started as a routine health check quickly became a life-changing moment after doctors discovered a cancerous tumor on his right kidney. The basketball icon, 43, shared his story on the Jan. 30 episode of his podcast, The Why With Dwyane Wade, discussing how a minor health concern was something that forced him to confront his mortality.Most would not mind their routine doctor checkups for such conditions do not manifest apparently in their system. But with what Wade has just experienced, preventive health screenings indeed prove useful. He sought consultation because he experienced discomfort in the stomach area, and urine is weak, he wanted the examination to be total since prostate cancer is manifested within his lineage."Because I did the full-body scan, they were able to see my entire body, my entire inside, and they were able to see something that was on my kidney — on my right kidney," Wade revealed.After more tests, doctors told him that the tumor was probably cancerous and needed to be operated on immediately. On Dec. 18, 2023, Wade had a procedure to remove 40% of his right kidney, which turned out to be a life-saving decision. Post-surgical testing confirmed the presence of cancerous cells, validating the necessity of the operation."Thank God that I did do the surgery," Wade said, emphasizing the importance of early detection.Why Cancer Screening MatterCancer story of Wade should remind us more of the great role cancer screening plays in detection of diseases prior to progression. Cancer is simply known as a "silent killer" because early stages can hardly be diagnosed even when it takes place without or with few apparent symptoms. So, when clear symptoms manifest the disease might be at an already dangerous stage such that treatment turns out to be difficult.Cancer screening is a regimen of preventive medical tests conducted to detect cancer or potential precancerous changes before they culminate into major health issues. Regular screening has been known to prevent a massive number of deaths by detecting the cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage.Essential Cancer Screenings Everyone Should GetWade's case brings out the essence of every cancer type screening. Here are some of the most crucial tests that professional health persons recommend:Breast Cancer ScreeningBreast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. It can significantly improve survival rates through early detection through mammograms. A mammogram detects cancer before a lump can be felt; hence early treatment would be highly effective. According to the American Cancer Society, women should annually undergo mammograms starting at 40 years of age. The frequency varies as per individual risk factors.Cervical Cancer ScreeningRoutine Pap smears and HPV tests can prevent cervical cancer by identifying precancerous changes in the cervix. The HPV test detects the human papillomavirus, a major cause of cervical cancer, while the Pap test detects abnormal cells that can become cancerous. Women should start screening at age 21, and subsequent screenings depend on previous test results and risk factors.Colorectal Cancer ScreeningThe major cancer of the colon or rectum is often developed from precancerous polyps in these areas, which, if found and removed before turning into cancer, can prevent the latter. Early-stage colorectal cancer can be identified through screening methods such as colonoscopies, stool tests, and other approaches. The USPSTF has set regular screening to begin at age 45.Lung Cancer ScreeningLung cancer remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer, often diagnosed too late for effective treatment. However, individuals with a history of heavy smoking can benefit from annual low-dose CT scans (LDCT). The USPSTF recommends lung cancer screening for individuals aged 50-80 who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.Kidney CancerKidney cancer, which was the kind Wade received his diagnosis for, usually is only identified during routine tests meant for other medical conditions. Symptoms like blood in the urine, chronic backache, or weight loss for no reason surface much later when these symptoms have reached advanced stages. There isn't a proper screening test for kidney cancer. Nonetheless, people experiencing those risk factors—like family history, high blood pressure, or smoking—are advised to seek more information on screening opportunities from their doctors.Wade's story is a wake-up call for people who do not pay attention to their health until an issue occurs. He chose to get a full-body scan, which resulted in the early detection and successful treatment of the condition, probably saving his life."I didn't want to leave anything to chance," Wade said on his podcast. He addressed minor symptoms and pushed for comprehensive testing, which ultimately resulted in a positive outcome.While professional athletes may seem invincible, Wade’s experience highlights that health concerns can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level or lifestyle.Routine medical checks-up, lifestyle change, and regular screenings result in reducing the risk of serious health conditions. In addition to these cancer screenings, it is also essential for proper nutrition, being active, managing stress, or at least avoiding harmful habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.The revelation by Dwyane Wade about his cancer diagnosis highlights the need for proactive health care. His experience underscores the value of early detection, regular screening, and being vigilant about one's health. More lives can be saved with medical advancements through the awareness and preventive measures adopted.