ESPN's 'Sports Center' host Jay Harris shares prostate cancer diagnosis
-SportsCenter.
Jay Harris, a long-time anchor for ESPN's "SportsCenter," announced his prostate cancer diagnosis during a Thursday appearance on Good Morning America.
The 60-year-old journalist shared his personal story and emphasized the importance of men talking openly about their health, particularly in light of the disproportionate impact of prostate cancer on Black men.
Harris, who has worked with ESPN since 2003, revealed that he will undergo surgery to remove his prostate on June 10. He expects to take about a month off from SportsCenter to recover and return to work fully healthy. Harris noted that his diagnosis wasn't a total surprise given his family history, as his father had also battled prostate cancer and emerged victorious. Harris' latest PET scans showed that the cancer had not spread to other organs, providing some relief, though he acknowledged that further details would only emerge during surgery.
JUST IN: ESPN @SportsCenter anchor @JayHarrisESPN shares prostate cancer diagnosis: “I’m having surgery on Tuesday. I'll be away from SportsCenter for about a month to recover. Then I'm coming back better than ever.” pic.twitter.com/CUM92LMRif
In his conversation with GMA host Michael Strahan, Harris highlighted the importance of men, particularly Black men, discussing health matters more openly, especially when it comes to topics like prostate cancer. He shared a personal experience of discussing his diagnosis with friends during a golf trip, which sparked meaningful conversations about health and family medical histories.
Harris has also spoken to fellow SportsCenter anchors, including Hannah Storm and Brian Custer, both of whom have dealt with cancer. By sharing his experience, Harris hopes to normalize these discussions and encourage other men to take charge of their health, similar to the proactive steps many women take with gynecological care. The American Cancer Society estimates over 310,000 new cases of prostate cancer in 2025, with September marking Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.