Fox's Zelasko to undergo thyroid cancer treatment

Fox Sports anchor/reporter Jeanne Zelasko learned this week she has a form of thyroid cancer and will have surgery after her assignments covering the Cotton and Orange bowls for the network next week.

Zelasko, the host of Fox's Major League Baseball studio show since 2001 as well as serving as a reporter on NASCAR and college football, said she found out Tuesday about a bump found during her yearly physical and was told by her doctors that it was in the very early stages. He has told several bosses at Fox about her condition.

"I'm fine, I'm in great spirits," Zelasko, who lives in Valencia, said Friday. She says she still has not explained what's going on to her 5-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter.

"I have had knowledge of my thyroid disorder for three years. Thyroid disorders are not uncommon. I get my blood levels checked twice a year. Ironically, I just had my blood checked and it looks great. I guess they have to look for a tumor marker in the blood. And who knew to look for that on a routine test."

Zelasko hoped that by revealing her condition it would help others take a more aggressive approach when they receive their annual checkups.

"I have chatted with so many people these past few days, telling them not to rely on just the blood work. And routinely checking your thyroid is something you can do in traffic ... unlike a breast exam that might get you a few odd looks."

Zelasko said post-operative treament will consist of radiation but could chance course if the tissue or glands removed looked bad.

Zelasko noted the irony in the fact that ESPN's Stuart Scott found out this week that he had cancerous abdominal cells after an emergency appendectomy and will begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks as a precautionary measure.

Zelasko and Scott share the same agent, Jackie Harris of William Morris Agency.

"I told her we have to add her to the list of things that cause cancer," said Zelasko. "Just kidding, of course! One has to keep her sense of humor, right?"

Fox Sports spokesman Dan Bell said: "Of course, our thoughts and prayers are with her and we consider her part of our family. We expect her to be right back there in April for the start of baseball season."

Zelasko is married to Curt Sandoval, the longtime sportscaster at KABC-Channel 7.