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Chris Evert Says Ovarian Cancer Has Returned for Third Time

Her surgery this week precedes planned chemotherapy, sidelining her from Wimbledon coverage and prompting a pause in her professional duties while attention returns to BRCA testing

Overview

  • Evert announced on Thursday that CT and PET scans showed a recurrence, she has already undergone surgery this week, and she will begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks.
  • Because of the diagnosis and upcoming treatment, the 71-year-old will miss Wimbledon and step back from her ESPN broadcasting and other professional commitments for the next few months.
  • ESPN issued a statement wishing her well and saying she will be missed on its coverage, and fellow players and peers including Martina Navratilova publicly offered support and encouragement.
  • This marks the third time Evert has faced ovarian cancer after initial detection in 2021 and a recurrence in 2023, with earlier treatments including surgery and chemotherapy.
  • Evert’s case is tied to a family BRCA gene variant that led to preventive surgery and the first early diagnosis, and her announcement arrives as a Netflix documentary about her and Navratilova is released, renewing focus on genetic testing and early detection.