John Walton, the Washington Capitals’ lead radio commentator, announced Tuesday that he is battling colon cancer.
Walton shared the details in a post on X. The diagnosis came after a colonoscopy in late July.
“On July 29, I had a colonoscopy, which I thought at the time was routine and nothing unusual. It turns out I couldn’t have been more wrong. I was shocked to learn that I have colon cancer. Tomorrow I will have surgery to remove 8 to 10 inches of my colon and the mass that has formed there,” Walton said.
Walton also said that although he will remain in the hospital for a few days after the surgery, the outlook is positive.
“My prognosis is good according to my incredible doctors at MedStar Health. It will be a few days after surgery before I know what happens next, but if all goes well, I will be at training camp in a few weeks and in the commentary booth for the first preseason game. I will be in this fight for a while, but it is a fight I will win. I am so incredibly grateful to my hockey and MSE family who have been so supportive during this time, and I will not be down for long.”
“If you are 45 or older, get screened for colon cancer. Don’t hesitate, get it done for yourself and your family. As shocking as the news was for me, I am so glad I did it.”
I have some personal news to share, and it’s a bit tough: I have been diagnosed with colon cancer. pic.twitter.com/gD2JZMRItq
— John Walton (@JohnWaltonPxP) 27 August 2024
Walton has been the Capitals’ radio voice since 2011. Before that, he was a live commentator for the Hershey Bears, a Capitals affiliate. Before that, he was the stadium announcer for MLB’s Cincinnati Reds for seven seasons.
(John Walton on X)
