Cubs Hall of Famer Andre Dawson Battles Prostate Cancer Return: “He’s Fighting with Every Ounce of Strength,” Family Says.vc
October 31, 2025 – Chicago, IL – The baseball world is rallying around Andre Dawson, the Chicago Cubs icon and Baseball Hall of Famer, as he confronts a “fierce return” of prostate cancer that has left fans and former teammates holding their breath. Diagnosed in 2012 and declared cancer-free after aggressive treatment, Dawson, now 70, is facing the disease’s resurgence with the same unyielding grit that defined his 21-year MLB career.
“He survived once, but now it’s back stronger. Andre is fighting with all his might,” a tearful family member shared exclusively with Cubs Insider. “He’s taking it one day at a time, leaning on his faith and the support from so many who look up to him.”
Dawson, nicknamed “The Hawk,” remains a beacon for prostate cancer awareness, particularly in the African American community where the disease strikes at disproportionately higher rates — two and a half times the mortality rate of white men, according to health experts.
A Legacy Forged in Pain and Power
Dawson’s journey mirrors the tenacity he brought to the diamond:
| Career Highlight | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1976–1996 MLB Tenure | 438 HR, 1,591 RBI, 314 SB |
| 1987 MVP Season | 49 HR, .295 AVG for Cubs (8-year Chicago stint) |
| Hall of Fame Induction | 2010 (77.9% vote) |
| Rookie of the Year | 1977 (Expos) |
| 8× All-Star, 8× Gold Glove | Outfield excellence |
After signing a groundbreaking $500,000 “deferral contract” with the Cubs in 1987 — accepting delayed payments to prove his worth on bad knees — Dawson led Chicago to their first NL East title in 40 years. His Hall of Fame plaque immortalizes him as “a model of perseverance.”
The Cancer Fight: From 2012 Diagnosis to 2025 Battle
Dawson’s initial battle began during a routine spring training physical in 2012. Blood work revealed elevated PSA levels, leading to a prostate cancer diagnosis. Opting for aggressive action, he underwent robotic surgery at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in December 2012, removing his prostate entirely.
“I wanted to be confident knowing that it was out completely,” Dawson said at the time. “Having gone through this process… this is a disease that may not take you out right away.”
Post-surgery, Dawson became a vocal advocate, emphasizing early screening. In February 2025, he appeared on MLB Network to discuss the Andre Dawson Classic, a youth tournament raising funds for prostate cancer research. “African-Americans are more subjected to prostate cancer, genetically,” he urged. “Get checked — it could save your life.”
Now, the cancer’s return has brought new challenges. Sources close to the family confirm Dawson is undergoing advanced treatments, including hormone therapies and monitoring with PSMA-targeted imaging — breakthroughs highlighted in recent MD Anderson research showing promising results for metastatic cases. While details remain private, his inner circle stresses his positive spirit: “He’s not defined by this. He’s still The Hawk — soaring through adversity.”
MLB Community Rallies: Tributes Pour In
- Cubs Ownership: “Andre is family. We’re here with prayers and support,” said Chairman Tom Ricketts.
- Former Teammate Ryne Sandberg: “The Hawk taught us what fighting looks like. Beat this, brother.”
- MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred: Pledged league-wide awareness efforts in Dawson’s honor.
Fans have flooded social media with #HawkStrong messages, sharing stories of how Dawson’s resilience inspired their own health journeys. The ZERO Prostate Cancer organization, where Dawson has long been an ambassador, launched a 2025 donation drive in his name, noting: “As we fight advanced prostate cancer, Andre’s story reminds us hope endures.”
Why Dawson’s Story Matters Now
Prostate cancer remains the second-leading cause of cancer death in men, with over 191,000 new U.S. diagnoses annually. Dawson’s return underscores the need for ongoing vigilance — even for survivors. Recent studies link reduced screening (post-2012 guidelines) to rising advanced cases, particularly among Black men.
“Early detection saves lives,” Dawson echoed in his last public comments. “Don’t wait for the symptoms.”
As treatments advance — from second-generation anti-androgens to antibody-drug conjugates — Dawson’s fight symbolizes hope amid uncertainty.
The Hawk isn’t done yet. For a man who played through chronic knee pain and redefined “no free lunch” in baseball, this is just another at-bat. Chicago — and the world — is cheering him on.
