ESPN sports anchor Stuart Scott announced  on Twitter Monday night that his cancer has returned for the third time.

In 2007, doctors diagnosed Scott with cancer in the appendix while performing an appendectomy. He underwent chemo and was in the clear until 2011, when doctors discovered a tumor in his small intestine. He was cancer-free until last night's announcement. 

Scott tweeted, "Blessed by prayers...I'm back in the Fight. C reared its head again. Chemo evry 2 wks but I'll still work, still work out..still #LIVESTRONG."

ESPN spokesperson Mike Soltys added that "Scott plans to continue to work the best he can around his treatments." 

Known for his witty sports commentary and upbeat personality, his sad news was returned with comments of love and support from both athletes and fans alike. Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant was among the many major athletes who tweeted support to the cancer-stricken sports news anchor. He wrote, "Our prayers r with you. Keep the fight my brother. #Livestrong."

WNBA star Candace Parker also tweeted support: "U R Inspiring role model. Courage/Strength @StuartScott. Thoughts and prayers with you. Kick Cancer's *ss!"

Scott responded with, "Thanks for prayers..ill fight w ALL C survivors & loved ones. Cancer wants to re-appear..picked the right guy cuz I HIT HARD all day long!!"

Fans of the anchor inquired about his use of the #LiveStrong hashtag just hours after reports surfaced that Live Strong founder Lance Armstrong confessed in an interview with Oprah Winfrey that he used performance-enhancing drugs and blood transfusions to help him throughout his cycling career.

Scott showed strong support for Armstrong and the charity cancer organization by posting on Twitter, "I'm 1 of millions of (cancer) survivors he's helped. #grateful." 

In October, the cyclist was stripped of his seven Tour de France wins and banned from the sport for life. 

Tags: espn