ESPN’s Jay Harris Shares Major Health Update Amid Courageous Cancer Battle

ESPN’s Jay Harris Shares Major Cancer Surgery Update, Urges Men to Prioritize Health
By Alex Raskin | Updated: 19:42 BST, 23 June 2025

ESPN anchor Jay Harris delivered hopeful news after undergoing prostate cancer surgery, revealing in a heartfelt social media video that the procedure was a success. The 60-year-old SportsCenter host confirmed the cancer had not spread beyond his prostate, which was removed entirely.

[IMAGE: Jay Harris in a Ric Flair T-shirt post-surgery with caption: “Surgery went really well… the cancer stayed in the prostate,” Harris shared.]

“My doctor said the surgery went really well—so well, in fact, that the cancer stayed there,” said Harris, wearing a shirt featuring wrestling icon Ric Flair, who recently battled skin cancer. “When he took the prostate out, he took [the cancer] with it. I’m looking forward to getting back to SportsCenter on July 12.”

Harris first disclosed his diagnosis on Good Morning America earlier this month, urging men—particularly African Americans—to prioritize routine health screenings. “By not talking about [health issues], we sentence ourselves to death,” he told co-host Michael Strahan. During a golf trip, Harris opened up to friends about his diagnosis, sparking a crucial conversation. “They had no idea until I brought it up,” he emphasized.

[IMAGE: Jay Harris and wife Stephanie at a 2010 Las Vegas event with caption: Harris credited family support and open dialogue as key to his recovery.]

Harris, whose father also battled prostate cancer, highlighted the importance of following women’s lead in proactive health checks. His co-anchor Hannah Storm, a breast cancer survivor, and ESPN colleague Brian Custer, who underwent similar surgery, offered guidance during his journey.

The broadcaster’s recovery continues at home, where he acknowledged an outpouring of support: “Appreciate the prayers, messages, and deliveries. Thank you for all the love.”

[IMAGE SUGGESTION: Harris anchoring SportsCenter with Hannah Storm to emphasize their collaborative work and shared resilience.]

Why This Matters
Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men, with Black men facing a 70% higher risk than white men, per the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Harris’ transparency aims to reduce stigma and encourage early detection.

Key Takeaways

• Routine screenings save lives.
• Open dialogue about health can break harmful silences.
• Support systems—family, friends, colleagues—are vital in recovery.

Harris’ update serves as both a personal victory and a public call to action, proving that vulnerability can spark life-saving change.

For more on prostate cancer symptoms and screening, visit Cancer Research UK or the Prostate Cancer Foundation.