Editor’s Note: We believe that patients are a key part of developing and leading the conversation in disease communities. Patient Worthy sometimes partners with reputable agencies that wish to speak with patients about opportunities related to their diagnosed conditions. These opportunities can include activities such as sharing stories with other patients or health professionals about their diagnosis journey or recording video testimonials. To learn more about how to get involved with an opportunity for cancer patients, click here.
Renowned sports announcer Dick Vitale has never been afraid of a challenge. I’ve listened to him fearlessly lambast and laud college sports teams, always assured in his opinions — but ready to take accountability when he is wrong. The 84-year-old Vitale has been calling games on ESPN for 44 years and, during that time, he has faced and overcome cancer twice: melanoma and lymphoma. According to Brian Linder of PennLive, Vitale is once again facing this formidable opponent as he was recently diagnosed with vocal cord cancer.
On July 12, 2023, Vitale updated Twitter to share the news. He noted that, while disappointed to learn of his diagnosis, his doctor—Dr. Zeitels—was confident that it could be treated. Vitale will soon begin six weeks of radiation treatment that hopefully halts the cancer in its tracks.
Looking to the future, Vitale is determined to be back on ESPN by the time college basketball season begins. We wish him luck. As he undergoes treatment, Vitale also urges everyone to raise awareness of the impact of cancer and the need for continued research.
Read more about Vitale’s announcement over at PennLive.com.
About Vocal Cord Cancer
Vocal cord cancer, a form of throat cancer, is diagnosed in about 10,000 Americans each year. Smoking and alcohol consumption are closely linked to the development of vocal cord cancer, though it can also occur in people who don’t use these substances. Vocal cord cancer is easiest to treat when caught in early stages before the cancer has spread to other areas of the voice box. Symptoms may include:
- Voice hoarseness
- A cough that may produce blood
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- A lasting sore throat
- Ear pain
- Losing weight without meaning to
- A feeling that something is stuck in the throat
- Difficulty breathing
- A lump or mass in the neck
Vocal cord cancer can be treated with radiation (as with Dick Vitale’s treatment), chemotherapy, or surgery. Anybody who is diagnosed with this cancer should speak with their doctor about the best approach to care.
Editor’s Note: We believe that patients are a key part of developing and leading the conversation in disease communities. Patient Worthy sometimes partners with reputable agencies that wish to speak with patients about opportunities related to their diagnosed conditions. These opportunities can include activities such as sharing stories with other patients or health professionals about their diagnosis journey or recording video testimonials. To learn more about how to get involved with an opportunity for cancer patients, click here.
