Former ESPN Anchor Stuart Scott died Sunday morning following a long battle with cancer. He was 49.
Scott was diagnosed with appendiceal cancer (cancer of the appendix) after he underwent an emergency appendectomy in 2007. An appendectomy is a surgical procedure to remove an inflamed and painful appendix. This condition is called appendicitis.
During the surgery, Scott’s doctors may have noticed a tumor in Scott’s appendix. The tumor tissue was sent to a lab to be tested for malignancy (cancer). After the cancer was confirmed, the tissue would be typed and staged to determine if the cancer had spread anywhere else in Scott’s body.
Cancer of the appendix is extremely rare, affecting only 600-1,000 Americans each year. The appendix is a small pouch-like organ at the beginning of the large intestine where the small intestine ends.
Doctors believe the appendix serves no useful purpose in the body. A long held theory is that the appendix is a holdover from prehistoric times. As humans evolved and our diets changed, the function of the appendix was no longer necessary.
Cancers of the appendix usually originate somewhere else in the body. Even though Scott’s appendix was removed in 2007, he suffered relapses of cancer in 2011, 2012 and again in 2013, because the cancer had already spread.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms of cancer of the appendix includes:
DIAGNOSIS
Since cancer of the appendix is a slow-growing cancer, it is usually not diagnosed until the cancer is in advanced stages.
Cancer of the appendix is usually found during emergency surgery to remove the appendix after the patient develops appendicitis (pain and inflammation of the appendix). Chances of survival is best if the cancer is found in the early stages.
TREATMENT
Treatment options are limited if the cancer is found late. Treatment includes removing the appendix and radiation or chemotherapy to kill the remaining cancer cells. In some cases more surgery may be needed to remove the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum.
Sometimes doctors will infuse heated chemotherapy into the abdominal cavity to kill stray cancer cells and to prevent spread. This operation is followed with intravenous (IV) chemotherapy to kill cancer cells that spread throughout the body.
Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cancer cells and kills them. A side effect of chemotherapy is that it also targets other rapidly dividing cells such as skin cells and cells of the GI tract and bone marrow cells. As a result, the patient’s hair may fall out and/ or the patient will be more susceptible to infection.
In 2013, Scott was told his cancer was terminal and that he only had a short time to live. But rather than resign himself to his fate, Scott hit the gym and became more determined than ever to live for his 2 daughters, Taelor, 19, and Sydni, 15.
“I can take this,” he said. “[I] deal with it easier than some people I see. So I think for the ones who can’t punch a heavy bag, can’t spar, who can’t do any of that. I’ll do it for you.”
During an emotional acceptance speech at the 2014 ESPY Awards in July, Scott said:
“When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.”
More info on the Web
Appendix Cancer – Cancer.net
Appendiceal Cancer – Shootoutcancer.org
Appendix Cancer – MedStar Health
Stuart Scott’s Death Highlights a Rare Form of Cancer – Sportsgrid.com
Graphic: CD Dollaz
The GOAT. Hands down.
Rest well
we lost another one….
Although I am not a sports fanatic, I do know greatness when I see it. And by all accounts, Stuart Scott was that. I hope that amongst all the throngs of accolades and remembrances, his family will be given respect and privacy during this difficult time. Rest well, for this leg of your journey is complete. May God comfort his family during this hour of need.
Stu . . . My heart Hurts for his girls. May he Rest in Peace and his loved ones especially his daughters find the strength and Peace they will need.

Thanks for a post in honor of Stuart’s passing Sandra. On a Sunday. I personally really appreciate it. RIP again Stuart.
RIP Stuart
Sorry to hear… ESPN wrote a great piece on his life and accomplishments. He was very well respected. Condolences to the family.
I don’t know why this is bothering me so bad. I figured he was near the end though because of his coworkers doing a tribute I think it was last week. So sad all around. I hate when kids lose their parents ugh.
@ Unshakable says:
YOUR words are so well-put regarding the passing of Mr. Scott!
thank you for the time you spent with us.. I woke up to your colorful commentary so many mornings, especially after my Spurs would win. You are indeed in a better place
On another note, I wonder if a cure for cancer will ever be discovered in my lifetime.
Auntie Sandrita,
Would you do a medical minute on cancer (or another medical minute if you have already done one) and what your professional perspective is regarding possible cures?
@GBO,
Thank you babe…..I appreciate that. Hope you had a wonderful holiday season and a great start to the new year!
and 
#demboyZ
RIP
His daughters should know that they are in our prayers and that we have much respect for their Dad
There are no words that can comfort, but I pray the Holy Spirit is all up and around them during this tough/rough time.
——-
SR, are there any preventive measures or tests that can help diagnose this kind of cancer sooner?
Thanks for putting this piece up on a Sunday Auntie (tears)/ This is one of my favorite people on TV. This is very sad but also inspiring…. He was really fighting for his life and determined to fight and win. Unshakable, a lot of your comments always make me smile and I luv you for that. Happy Sunday guys. Stuart Scott will be missed! Love you Roses and Auntie
Rest In Heaven. Everything about him seemed genuinely sweet. Don’t see that much anymore.
for all who loved him.
This tea on house wives tho. OK can we get a post on Roger bobb?? Just when I thought he about something here comes this girl with the blue hair talking bout she dated him. I’m like.
So demetric thank she lying.
Never knew him by name, but that is sad. I do know his face. I seriously thank God everynight for the health of myself and my loved ones. I think about cancer as I say it.
I’m glad he got a chance to be honored at the espys on last year. RIP
he is free. my heart goes out to his family.
Auntie… thank you for the medical information.
RIP Mr. Scott!
My sincere condolences to his family!
Although I am not a sports fanatic, I do know greatness when I see it. And by all accounts, Stuart Scott was that. I hope that amongst all the throngs of accolades and remembrances, his family will be given respect and privacy during this difficult time. Rest well, for this leg of your journey is complete. May God comfort his family during this hour of need.
by Unshakable on Jan 4, 2015 at 5:57 pm
The
on RHOA 
Such awful news! Feel guilty hopping In to wish roses, buds, fertilizers, bees, and those alike a late happy new year as I had taken holiday in in her majesty the Queen’s (rose) London! So please try to read this in the ratchetest British accent you could muster… Jew care. #mindthegap
@Keesh,
Thank you my dear. I try my best to uplift whenever and wherever I can. Because we read/deal with enough gloom and doom on a constant if not daily basis, I try to look at life through a more optimistic lens and pass it on. Trust me, I have my faults/flaws, but I know that one of my redeeming qualities is that I enjoy planting seeds of inspiration, hope, love, and peace.
BTW…..I love you too, beautiful Black Queen.
Good Morning SandraRose and the ROSES Garden, it’s Monday the first day of the week, the first week of the New Year… Ya’ll Ready for it??
Teresa Giudice is waking up behind bars this morning… Her poor girls
GOOD MORNING ROSES!!!
RIP Stu. He is from around here in CT and was a true gentleman. My heart goes out to his family.
@Unshake: You my friend just always know the perfect words to say
Thank you!
Happy New Year Miss Sandra and roses!! :wave:
Good Morning and Happy New Year good people!! RIP Stu and prayers for his family.
Gd morning! Who wanna talk about RHOA with me
Morning
up early seeing bout my car again lawd… 
Robyn Roberts gave me the sads all over again
Show out this week!!
Good Morning Roses
Blanche 5 was supposed to go back to school but alas she is sick againeee. Needless to say I’m worn out and will be wiping the whole house down in Clorox for the umpteenth time this season. Pray for me and her more importantly. Having a weak immune system doesn’t really mesh with Indiana winters.
Good Morning Roses :wave: and Happy New Year!
This is so sad!
One time for Stuart Scott.
Phuck Fox News for confusing him and Steven A. Smith yesterday
Almighty bless his family, cover their territory and keep them in your loving arms. Selah.
I’m SEOUL (da L be silent) sleepy.
He was a pleasure
RIP Stu :crying1: