Duane Kuiper Has Announced Throat Cancer Diagnosis

The 76-year-old San Francisco Giants broadcaster has begun medical treatment at Stanford Medicine.

Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Cancer

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San Francisco Giants broadcaster Duane Kuiper announced a throat cancer diagnosis, confirming he will undergo treatment at Stanford Medicine while maintaining limited professional duties. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

San Francisco Giants broadcaster Duane Kuiper has announced a diagnosis of throat cancer. The veteran announcer began treatment at Stanford Medicine last week.

Why it matters

The diagnosis affects the broadcast schedule for the remainder of the season as Kuiper balances his medical care with his professional duties. He intends to continue working during this period while undergoing treatment.

Kuiper is 76 years old and has been diagnosed with a similar form of cancer previously in 2021. He is currently receiving care at Stanford Medicine.

The players

Duane Kuiper

He is a 76-year-old former Major League Baseball player who has served as a San Francisco Giants broadcaster since the 1980s.

Stanford Medicine

This is a prominent academic medical center where the patient is currently receiving cancer treatment.

Mike Krukow

He is a long-time associate and colleague of Kuiper whose final game as a broadcaster is a target date for Kuiper's return.

The details

Kuiper, who played Major League Baseball from 1974 to 1985 and has been a fixture for the Giants since the 1980s, confirmed he will step away from the booth on Monday and Wednesday. Despite the treatment schedule, he plans to return to his broadcast duties on Tuesday and next weekend, with the goal of calling Mike Krukow's final game.

Timeline

  1. Kuiper played in the Major Leagues from 1974 to 1985.

  2. He began broadcasting for the Giants in the 1980s.

  3. A similar cancer diagnosis occurred in 2021.

  4. The diagnosis of throat cancer was announced in September 2026.

The Big Picture

This story highlights the critical role of Stanford Medicine as a central hub for complex cancer treatment and patient care within the regional healthcare system.

Fans and viewers should expect temporary adjustments to the San Francisco Giants broadcast booth this week. Kuiper has indicated he will return to work on Tuesday and next weekend as his treatment allows.

The takeaway

Kuiper's return to the booth despite his treatment underscores the complex intersection of personal health battles and professional commitments. He plans to maintain his schedule to honor his colleague's final game appearance.

Further reading

For additional context on local health initiatives and resources, visit the Cancer section.