Dick Vitale, the ESPN broadcaster, has been diagnosed with vocal cord cancer two years after being diagnosed with lymphoma.

According to the Hall of Fame broadcaster’s physician, his condition has an “extremely high cure rate.”.

Dick Vitale, an ESPN college basketball analyst, revealed on Wednesday that he had been given the diagnosis of vocal cord cancer.

Vitale, 84, was given a lymphoma diagnosis and underwent melanoma treatment in 2021.

In a statement, Vitale said, “I’m sorry to inform you that I received difficult news about my throat from Dr. Zeitels today. I have vocal cord cancer, which requires radiation treatment for six weeks, according to tests on the tissues they removed. According to Dr. Z, radiation is preferable to additional surgery because it has an exceptionally high cure rate.
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In the fall, when the college basketball season starts, Vitale, who has been with ESPN since the network’s inception in 1979, promised to “fight like hell” to be ready to return. This is “entirely possible,” according to Vitale’s doctor, who also expressed how grateful he is for the support of the audience.

I was pleading for support in the fight against cancer on the ESPYs stage at this time last year, Vitale recalled in his essay. “This horrible illness has knocked on my door three times and affects so many of our loved ones. More investigation will help in this battle. ”.

In his statement’s conclusion, Vitale expressed his gratitude for his family, the ESPN family, and their “incredible support” as well as his admiration for the outstanding group of medical professionals whose dedication has had such a positive influence on so many people’s lives. ”.

Just a few weeks prior to his most recent admission, Vitale claimed that his doctor had informed him that “past issues on my vocal cords” had returned. He underwent two surgeries, the first of which was on July 11, and was put on complete voice rest for six to eight weeks while recovering.

He wrote on June 22: “That part is so frustrating as I feel trapped not being able to express myself. I will be prepared for my 45th year on @espn, according to Dr. Z, which is good news. ”.

In an article for ESPN’s Front Row in October 2021, the commentator and former basketball coach disclosed his cancer diagnosis. He learned he had lymphoma or a disease of the lymphatic system after disclosing his melanoma diagnosis. In August 2022, Vitale tweeted that his doctor had given him the all-clear from cancer.

Last year, Vitale was given the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the ESPYs, and following actor Jon Hamm’s presentation of the award, he made an emotional speech.

No child should receive chemotherapy or radiation treatment, Vitale opined. Cancer does not discriminate, and regardless of your ethnicity or religion, it will bring you to your knees. My friends, raising money to give oncologists a fighting chance is one way to fight cancer. ”.

Remember that perseverance plus passion plus pride equals “win” in the game of life, Vitale advised.
“Keep chasing your dreams, keep chasing your goals.”. ”.