Miami Heat legend Alonzo Mourning reveals cancer battle, including prostate removal
MIAMI - Miami Heat legend Alonzo Mourning underwent surgery in mid-March to remove his prostate after a diagnosis of Stage 3 cancer, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer revealed in an interview with ESPN published this Monday.
According to ESPN, Mourning's recent testing shows that the cancer did not spread anywhere else in his body and therefore he is now cancer-free.
Mourning is using his story to inspire others to get screenings. The Olympic gold medalist said his red flags started in late 2022, when blood test results warned his urologist about the possibility of prostate cancer; subsequent body image scans confirmed the worst possible news.
"I was in shock. I can't tell you enough about how well my body felt. I was in top-notch shape -- running sprints, strong. The doctor told me that he couldn't believe I had had a kidney transplant," he said, referencing the life-saving surgery he underwent 21 years ago.
"Life was good and amazing for me, but if I had ignored getting checked and let this go, the cancer would've spread through my body," Mourning said. "Unfortunately, as men, we don't like to go to the doctor, but this is the only way to find out what's going on in your body. Prostate and even colon cancer are silent killers and many men won't get those diagnosis until it's too late."
Alonzo Mourning's career with the Miami Heat
Mourning had a significant impact on the Miami Heat during his time there. He played for the Heat from 1995 to 2002 and then again from 2005 to 2008, playing a crucial role in the Heat's first NBA Championship in 2006.
His contributions to the team were recognized by the Heat when they retired his number 33 jersey, solidifying his status as a Miami Heat legend.