Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, recently revealed that he had been diagnosed with and successfully beat cancer. The 47-year-old disclosed this information during an episode of “The BFFs Pod” when his co-hosts noticed a scar on his neck. Portnoy explained that he had skin cancer, which he attributed to spending excessive time in the sun without sunscreen.
“I beat it,” Portnoy said, confirming the nature of his cancer as skin cancer. He jokingly recounted his health struggles, saying, “I’ve had a heart attack, cancer, and been stung by bees; I beat it all.” He detailed the process of his diagnosis and treatment, mentioning that he had gone to a doctor for a skin examination. “They scrape it, and one of the samples came back cancerous, so they had to take it out,” Portnoy added.
Portnoy admitted that he had been trying to draw attention to the scar. “I’ve been trying to shove it in people’s faces,” he said, though he had initially kept the operations to himself. Reflecting on his decision to keep quiet, Portnoy revealed that he had a master plan to use his diagnosis as a distraction if the Boston Celtics had lost their game. “God forbid the [Boston] Celtics lost last night, I was going to be like, ‘I have cancer. I don’t want to talk about it.’ But they won,” he shared.
During a recap of the Celtics’ NBA Finals victory with his Barstool hosts, Portnoy was surprised that no one mentioned the scar or the bandage on his neck, which was visible in a celebratory cigar video he posted. “It’s almost like they know I’m going to call myself a cancer survivor,” he said. “I was getting close to the point I was going to re-cut this thing open and just start bleeding until somebody would be like, ‘What is going on?’ This is a huge f—ing scar, and nobody’s saying anything.”
Portnoy later clarified on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the cancer “wasn’t the serious kind, thank god.” His disclosure sheds light on his resilience and his ability to maintain his sense of humor even in the face of serious health challenges.
This revelation adds to the public’s understanding of Portnoy’s character, showing his determination and candid nature. His experience with cancer is just one of many hurdles he has overcome, as he also mentioned having survived a heart attack and bee stings.
Portnoy’s journey is a testament to his tenacity. His approach to dealing with cancer, from diagnosis to recovery, reflects his pragmatic and often irreverent attitude toward life’s challenges. By sharing his experience, Portnoy provides a relatable narrative for many who face similar health battles, demonstrating that it’s possible to confront serious issues with a mix of seriousness and humor.
His story also underscores the importance of regular health check-ups and paying attention to one’s body. Skin cancer, often caused by prolonged exposure to the sun without protection, is a common but preventable condition. Portnoy’s casual mention of his time in the sun without sunscreen highlights a critical public health message about the importance of sun protection.
Moreover, Portnoy’s willingness to discuss his health publicly can have a positive impact by encouraging others to seek medical advice when they notice unusual changes in their skin or overall health. His account of the doctor’s visit and the subsequent treatment process provides a straightforward example of how to address such health concerns effectively.
Despite the gravity of his diagnosis, Portnoy’s narrative is imbued with his trademark humor and defiance. His story is not just about surviving cancer but about maintaining a sense of normalcy and control in the face of adversity. His reaction to the scar on his neck, trying to draw attention to it humorously, is a coping mechanism that many might find inspiring.
