Cancer is an equal opportunity disease.
Anyone can be diagnosed with cancer, even elite athletes.
The following 10 people not only competed for the gold but also went toe-to-toe with cancer.
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Let’s take a closer look!
When detected early, these tumors are often treatable and curable.
Ovarian cancer has been coined the “silent killer” as the disease is often advanced when diagnosed.
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Every woman should be familiar with thesymptoms of ovarian cancer.
The then 33-year-old mother of one underwent surgery andchemotherapyto treat the disease.
She was described as 10-year cancer survivor in a 2021 article published inNIH MedlinePlus Magazine.
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Around 9,000 men in the United States develop testicular cancer each year.
The most common symptoms include a painless lump, heavy feeling, or collection of fluid in the scrotum.
Healthcare professionals recommended that the swimmer have surgery to remove the testicle immediately.
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Such was the case with professional volleyball player Jake Gibb.
The Olympian failed a drug test that revealed abnormally high hormone levels, which can indicate steroid use.
Gibb is actually a two-time cancer survivor, having fought offmelanomain 2004.
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Reminder
The symptoms of cancer are often not obvious.
If you have any abnormal symptomseven symptoms that aren’t typical of cancersee your healthcare provider.
The forward underwent surgery and only missed 11 games.
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Astonishingly, two years later, Armstrong was deemed cancer-free after undergoing extensive chemotherapy and surgery.
Before being diagnosed with cancer, Armstrong participated in the 1992 Olympic Games.
He later competed again in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
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Navratilova underwent surgery and radiation therapy and remains cancer-free.
Scott Hamilton
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In 1997, figure skater Scott Hamilton was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
A year after surgery and chemotherapy, the gold medalist returned to the rink to skate professionally.
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Hamilton often discusses his disease publicly, bringing much-needed awareness to the condition.
Hamilton remains cancer-free and is active in the cancer community.
After experiencing knee pain, her healthcare provider discovered a tumor in her knee.
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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 chemotherapytreatment.
She launched an online site, Team Meghan, to help cover the costs of care.
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But that didn’t stop her dream of becoming a competitive athlete.
Four years after she lost her leg, she was competing in her first U.S. Disabled Alpine Championships.
She went on to win a gold medal in giantslalomat the 1988 Calgary Olympics.
The cancer returned in 1997.
The skiing legend passed away from the disease in 2001 at age 38.
Of note is that in 1993, Golden attempted suicide.
Though many people are unaware, therisk of suicide in cancer patientsis over 4 times the average.
If you know anyone with cancer, it’s important to understand the potential warning signs of suicide.
Lemieux underwent 29 days of radiation therapy as treatment.
Today, his cancer remains in remission.
Lemieux founded the Mario Lemieux Foundation, an organization that raises funds for cancer research.
American Cancer Society.What is ovarian cancer?
Olympic gymnast Shannon Miller: Accepting help was essential to ovarian cancer recovery.NIH MedlinePlus Magazine.
National Cancer Institute.Cancer Stat Facts: Testicular Cancer.
2019;10(1):207. doi:10.1038/s41467-018-08170-1
