Ethan Zohn hit by rare Cancer

In sad proof that life does not always imitate art, it’s been announced that Ethan Zohn, the tousle-headed winner of ‘Survivor — Africa’ back in 2002 is now facing a more voracious contender: Cancer.

For months, Ethan was bothered by what he thought was a minor skin condition. But when the itching progressed to night sweats he decided to get things checked out. A CT-scan located a dark mass on the left side of his chest, and on April 30th Ethan got the bad news: ‘Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.’

Doctors made further tests and found Ethan’s affliction is actually a rare strain of the cancer, called “CD20-positive Lymphoma.” There was no time to waste – He began treatment on Friday. “This is the ultimate game of Survivor,” Ethan told the folks over at People, “There’s only one outcome, and that’s to win.” he explained with disarming bravado.

And the chances of a win are very good; Hodgkin’s – a cancer of the body’s lymphatic system — has survival rates north of 80-percent. His variation is also easy to conquer, just requiring a 3-month regime of intense chemotherapy. And Ethan and his lady are ready to face it together. “I will fight with every fiber of my being to get him through this,” Ethan’s girlfriend, Jenna Morasca, 27, who herself won, “Survivor: The Amazon” told the scribes.

The couple have both lost parents to cancer, so they’re well motivated. And Ethan has plans to use his diagnosis to help others fight, “I want to help and inspire people, that’s my purpose. So I need to use this as a platform.” he says. And he he sounds well prepped for what may be a long haul, “I’ve got good family and friends, and I’ll roll with the punches. I’m not getting voted out of this one!” he said.

With bravura like that, there’s not a jury who’d dare.