Burke-Charvet posted a video message Thursday on YouTube disclosing her condition and her plans for surgery to remove her thyroid.
The 41-year-old mother of four said a lump on her thyroid was found during a biopsy, and that surgery has been scheduled to remove it.
In the video, she says it will leave "a nice big scar right here," tracing a line across her throat. Burke-Charvet says she initially felt shocked, but she now feels strong and confident.
"Here's the way I see it. I'm just going to make a positive out of this negative thing," she said.
The surgery is often followed with radioactive iodine to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue.
Dr. Mark Cohen says the good news is, most patients recover quite well.
"Once she recovers from surgery and she's treated fully for her disease, she'll be back to everything she once did," he said.
Burke-Charvet said her treatment will not impact her schedule with "Dancing With The Stars." The latest season is expected to end after Thanksgiving.
Cohen said there are no obvious signs or symptoms for thyroid cancer. The only sign is feeling a lump below your Adam's apple.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
