The Welshman, who made 12 appearances for City in a bid to save them from relegation, had been diagnosed with testicular cancer which appears to have spread to his brain.
According to the Press Association, Hartson who had been applying for managerial vacancies had complained of headaches and was tested at the Singleton Hospital in his home town of Swansea and was given the awful news this weekend.
Dr Gianfilippo Bertelli, consultant medical oncologist for the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University NHS Trust, said to the BBC: "Mr Hartson attended Singleton Hospital on Friday displaying symptoms consistent with testicular cancer.
"A number of clinical tests were put in place and these have confirmed the presence of testicular cancer. Unfortunately, it has also been confirmed that this cancer has spread to Mr Hartson's brain.
"We are awaiting the results of further tests to establish a full picture of Mr Hartson's diagnosis. "We will be commencing a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy as soon as possible and foresee many months of treatment.
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"We realise that Mr Hartson is a much-loved figure and there are many fans and well-wishers who will be keen to hear news of his progress.
"However, while treatment is ongoing we would ask that the privacy of Mr Hartson, and all the patients who attend our hospital, is respected."
All at Covsupport News Service wish him well.