Dwyane Wade, the Hall of Fame basketball star known for his legendary career with the NBA, recently shared a deeply personal revelation with his fans. In the latest episode of his podcast, The WY Network, Wade opened up about his battle with kidney cancer, which led to the removal of a tumor from his right kidney 13 months ago.

The 43-year-old retired athlete disclosed the shocking news exclusively to PEOPLE, explaining that it all started after years of neglecting regular doctor visits. His health scare came after experiencing ongoing stomach issues and urinary discomfort. Wade recalled feeling concerned about his symptoms, including “slow urination” and a “weak stream.” He eventually took inspiration from his father, Dwyane Wade Sr., who had undergone his own prostate cancer treatment, and decided to see a doctor.

Wade shared in his podcast, “On the process of checking, like, ‘Why is my piss coming out slow, why is my stream ain’t powerful? Why is it a little weak?’” His consultation led to a full-body scan, which uncovered a “cyst/tumor” on one of his kidneys. The diagnosis was confirmed by multiple doctors, and Wade was advised to undergo surgery immediately.

The surgery, performed on December 18, 2023, resulted in the removal of 40% of his right kidney. It wasn’t until the procedure was complete that doctors confirmed the tumor was cancerous. Wade reflected on his decision to undergo surgery, saying, “If this is cancerous, if this tumor, this cyst is cancerous, on your kidney, you’re 41 years old, you probably need surgery because it’s something that needs to be removed so it doesn’t spread.”

Despite the grim diagnosis, Wade remains resilient. He shared how the experience gave him new insights into family and vulnerability. “My own journey to have that surgery, I think it was the first time that my family, my dad, my kids, they saw me weak,” he admitted. “That moment was probably the weakest point I’ve ever felt in my life.”

Wade’s emotional words reveal the true impact of this health battle on him. “The moment I was by myself, I was struggling, dog,” he confessed. Yet, this hardship also taught him valuable lessons about love and support. “What I saw in the midst of me going through my illness, I saw my family that may not always talk, may not always agree. I saw everybody show up for me and be there for me and in that process, in my weakness I found strength in my family.”

His journey through illness and recovery also led him to realize that showing vulnerability, especially as a man, can be an essential part of healing. “As a man, you never want your family to see you weak,” Wade said. “Don’t want to be perceived weak, don’t want to be seen in your weakest moments but I had to.”

In addition to his two children with ex-wife Siovaughn Funches, Zaire and Zaya, Wade has a son, Xavier, with Aja Metoyer, and a daughter, Kaavia James, with wife Gabrielle Union. Wade also serves as the legal guardian for his nephew, Dahveon Morris. He emphasized how his family’s unwavering support during this difficult time showed him the true meaning of strength.

Though Wade’s health situation remains private, his openness about his cancer diagnosis has resonated with many, serving as a reminder of the importance of health screenings, family, and vulnerability in facing life’s challenges.