ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale revealed he has vocal cord cancer (Picture: Getty)
ESPNbroadcaster Dick Vitale revealed he has vocal cord cancer for a third time.
The 84-year-old basketball announcer was diagnosed with melanoma in the summer of 2021 and was subsequently diagnosed with lymphoma months later.
Vitale announced in August 2022 that he was cancer-free.
On Wednesday, he shared a statement on Twitter writing: ‘I am sorry to share that I received tough news today from Dr. Zeitels about my throat.
‘The tests on the tissues they removed showed that I have vocal cord cancer and will need six weeks of radiation to treat it. Dr. Z tells me that it has an extremely high cure rate and that radiation, not more surgery, is the best path.’
He added: ‘I plan to fight like hell to be ready to call games when the college hoops season tips off in the fall. Dr. Z feels that scenario is entirely possible.
‘I want to say that I have been so touched by the tweets, texts, notes and prayers and will ask all of you to continue to send positive vibes.’
His post was showered in support from fans, with one replying: ‘You have always been a fighter! Prayers up.’
Another added: ‘All the prayers to you Dickie V! We are all in your corner. You will get through this!’
Vitale was also diagnosed with vocal cord dysplasia in 2022 while he was undergoing treatments for lymphoma. He was forced to take off the second half of the 2021-22 season from ESPN to rest his voice. Vitale said that his vocal cords had become inflamed and would need surgery.
Vitale has been with ESPN since the network began broadcasting college basketball in 1979. He commentated the first ESPN college basketball game and has been a beloved regular on the network.
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The broadcaster was diagnosed with melanoma in the summer of 2021.
