Technology | Yahoo Yahoo Ex-CEO: I Have Cancer Illness linked to decision to step down By Mary Papenfuss Posted May 14, 2012 3:14 AM CDT Updated May 14, 2012 7:20 AM CDT Copied Yahoo executive Ross Levinsohn is replacing Thompson. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File) In a surprise revelation, former Yahoo CEO Scott Thompson has told board members and colleagues that he has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, sources tell the Wall Street Journal. Thompson stepped down as CEO after it was discovered that he did not have a college degree in computer science, as stated in the resume circulated by Yahoo. Now sources say the 54-year-old's decision to step down was also partly influenced by his recent diagnosis. He told one colleague he didn't want to publicly discuss his cancer, according to the Journal. He is beginning treatment, said the source. He couldn't be reached for comment by the newspaper. Thompson has been replaced by senior Yahoo executive Ross Levinsohn. Read These Next Actor Michael Madsen is dead at 67. Police shot a bank robber as a drone delivered some Faygo Red Pop. Houses passes 'Big Beautiful Bill' by Trump's deadline. Extremely rare bat-borne virus claims a human life. Report an error