We hope these stories of famous athletes with cancer will inspire you, but anyone who copes with cancer is a hero in our book. Let’s take a closer look!
The then 33-year-old mother of one underwent surgery and nine weeks of chemotherapy to treat the disease. She was described as cancer-free in a 2016 article published by the American Cancer Society.
Miller launched a women’s health website, Shannon Miller Lifestyle, to share health tips through blog posts and articles written by experts.
Healthcare professionals recommended that the swimmer have surgery to remove the testicle immediately. However, Shanteau delayed the procedure to compete in the Olympic trials, ultimately earning a spot on the 2008 Olympic team.
The Olympian failed a drug test that revealed abnormally high hormone levels, which can indicate steroid use. Gibb was advised to seek medical attention, since high hormone levels can also signify testicular cancer in men. Soon after failing the drug screening, the athlete was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent surgery to treat the disease.
Gibb is actually a two-time cancer survivor, having fought off melanoma in 2004.
While most men with testicular cancer do not have any risk factors, those who do should be even more vigilant about performing testicular self-exams.
Before being diagnosed with cancer, Armstrong participated in the 1992 Olympic Games. He later competed again in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
Hamilton often discusses his disease publicly, bringing much-needed awareness to the condition. He launched the Scott Hamilton CARES Initiative, an organization devoted to cancer research, patient education, and support for patients and their family members. Hamilton remains cancer-free and is active in the cancer community.
After experiencing knee pain, her healthcare provider discovered a tumor in her knee. The 21-year-old was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer that usually affects teens and children.
Kinney underwent surgery and 10 months of chemotherapy treatment. She launched an online site, Team Meghan, to help cover the costs of care.
Golden was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, and she had a bilateral mastectomy along with the removal of her uterus as treatment. The cancer returned in 1997. The skiing legend passed away from the disease in 2001 at age 38.
If you know anyone with cancer, it’s important to understand the potential warning signs of suicide.
Lemieux founded the Mario Lemieux Foundation, an organization that raises funds for cancer research.
