ESPN anchor Jay Harris reveals cancer diagnosis on 'Good Morning America'

Long-time ESPN news anchor and journalist Jay Harris recently shared some news about his cancer diagnosis. Jay has worked with the cable sports channel for over two decades, since 2003. He announced that he will be taking some time off from being on air due to his recent health diagnosis. While he was live on Good Morning America with Michael Strahan, he told the viewers about his prostate cancer diagnosis. He added that his surgery is scheduled to happen on Tuesday, June 10. He is hopeful that he would be:

"coming back better than ever... So once we take out the prostate hopefully that will be it"

The reason Jay Harris decided to speak openly about his diagnosis is that he wanted to:

"normalize this conversation and hopefully provide a bit of guidance and preparation, just as it has been offered to me."

In addition to the announcement, he also wrote an essay on ESPN Front Row. In the essay, Harris candidly talks about his experience so far, including the support he has received from his colleagues.

Jay Harris opens up about prostate cancer in an essay to ESPN Front Row

On June 5, 2025, Jay Harris talked about his prostate cancer diagnosis on Good Morning America. He also shared more details in his essay for ESPN Front Row. Harris wrote:

"Over a month ago, I received news no one wants to hear: I have prostate cancer... unfortunately, it’s not unexpected, given my family history and demographic... My dad had a bout with prostate cancer, which he won. I’m 60. It’s something I’ve always been cognizant of, and my doctor and I talk about it every annual visit. And I’m sharing it all with my 26-year-old son. Maybe I’m oversharing at times — lol — but he needs to know."

Jay Harris shared details about how he is going to proceed with the treatment. He elaborated:

"My treatment plan begins with surgery, which is scheduled for Tuesday, June 10. After my diagnosis, a PET scan showed no spreading... My hope is that they won’t find anything extra so that I can return to work in a month or so, 100 percent healthy."

Harris also talked about how receiving support from his colleagues who went through something similar helped him. He said:

"After receiving my diagnosis, I had some very meaningful talks with my fellow SportsCenter anchors Hannah Storm and Brian Custer, both of whom have dealt with cancer. Their support has been extremely helpful. And my longtime friends at the V Foundation for Cancer Research have given me wonderful guidance."

He ended the essay with a hopeful note, saying:

"I just wanted you to know. I appreciate the prayers, well wishes, and the love. Talk soon."

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Harris talks about his prostate cancer diagnosis with the hope that he can help others who find it difficult to speak up about the disease. In his words, he wants to "normalize the conversation," so people who need help and support will not have to go through this difficult journey alone.

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