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.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!
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.
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!
1
Shannon Miller
Focus On Sport / Getty Images
Gold medal–winning gymnast Shannon Miller was diagnosed with an ovarian germ cell tumor after healthcare providers discovered a baseball-sized cyst on her ovary. Ovarian germ cell tumor is a rare type of ovarian cancerthat often affects women under the age of 30. 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. Every woman should be familiar with thesymptoms of ovarian cancer.
2Eric ShanteauFeng Li / Getty ImagesShortly before the 2008 Olympic trials, Eric Shanteau was diagnosed withtesticular cancer. At age 24, he discovered alump in his testicleand saw his healthcare provider at the urging of his girlfriend.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. However, Shanteau delayed the procedure to compete in the Olympic trials, ultimately earning a spot on the 2008 Olympic team.
2
Eric ShanteauFeng Li / Getty ImagesShortly before the 2008 Olympic trials, Eric Shanteau was diagnosed withtesticular cancer. At age 24, he discovered alump in his testicleand saw his healthcare provider at the urging of his girlfriend.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. However, Shanteau delayed the procedure to compete in the Olympic trials, ultimately earning a spot on the 2008 Olympic team.
Eric Shanteau
Feng Li / Getty Images
Shortly before the 2008 Olympic trials, Eric Shanteau was diagnosed withtesticular cancer. At age 24, he discovered alump in his testicleand saw his healthcare provider at the urging of his girlfriend.
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. However, Shanteau delayed the procedure to compete in the Olympic trials, ultimately earning a spot on the 2008 Olympic team.
3Jake GibbBjarteh / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0While many cancers are detected through medical screening tests, some cases are discovered unconventionally. 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 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 offmelanomain 2004.ReminderThe symptoms of cancer are often not obvious. If you have any abnormal symptoms—even symptoms that aren’t typical of cancer—see your healthcare provider. If you aren’t satisfied with their answer or don’t feel your concerns have been addressed, get a second opinion.
3
Jake GibbBjarteh / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0While many cancers are detected through medical screening tests, some cases are discovered unconventionally. 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 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 offmelanomain 2004.ReminderThe symptoms of cancer are often not obvious. If you have any abnormal symptoms—even symptoms that aren’t typical of cancer—see your healthcare provider. If you aren’t satisfied with their answer or don’t feel your concerns have been addressed, get a second opinion.
Jake Gibb
Bjarteh / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
While many cancers are detected through medical screening tests, some cases are discovered unconventionally. 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 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 offmelanomain 2004.
ReminderThe symptoms of cancer are often not obvious. If you have any abnormal symptoms—even symptoms that aren’t typical of cancer—see your healthcare provider. If you aren’t satisfied with their answer or don’t feel your concerns have been addressed, get a second opinion.
Reminder
The symptoms of cancer are often not obvious. If you have any abnormal symptoms—even symptoms that aren’t typical of cancer—see your healthcare provider. If you aren’t satisfied with their answer or don’t feel your concerns have been addressed, get a second opinion.
4
Phil Kessel
Michael Miller / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0
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.
Causes of Testicular Cancer
5
Lance Armstrong
Haser / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 1.0
In 1996, cyclistLance Armstrongwas diagnosed with testicular cancer that had spread to his abdomen, lungs, and brain. Astonishingly, two years later, Armstrong was deemed cancer-free after undergoing extensive chemotherapy and surgery.
6Martina NavratilovaRobbie Mendelson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0International tennis sensation Martina Navratilova was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, soon after aroutine mammogram. Further investigation revealed she hadductal carcinoma in situ(DCIS), a noninvasive (non-spreading) type of breast cancer. Navratilova underwent surgery and radiation therapy and remains cancer-free.
6
Martina NavratilovaRobbie Mendelson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0International tennis sensation Martina Navratilova was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, soon after aroutine mammogram. Further investigation revealed she hadductal carcinoma in situ(DCIS), a noninvasive (non-spreading) type of breast cancer. Navratilova underwent surgery and radiation therapy and remains cancer-free.
Martina Navratilova
Robbie Mendelson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
International tennis sensation Martina Navratilova was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, soon after aroutine mammogram. Further investigation revealed she hadductal carcinoma in situ(DCIS), a noninvasive (non-spreading) type of breast cancer. Navratilova underwent surgery and radiation therapy and remains cancer-free.
7Scott HamiltonPhoto from AmazonIn 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.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.
7
Scott HamiltonPhoto from AmazonIn 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.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.
Scott Hamilton
Photo from Amazon
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.
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.
8
Meghan Kinney
Christophe Simon / Getty Images
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 chemotherapytreatment. She launched an online site, Team Meghan, to help cover the costs of care.
9Diana GoldenGetty Images Sport / Getty ImagesSkier Diana Golden lost her right leg to cancer at the age of 12. 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.Golden was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, and she had abilateral mastectomyalong 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.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.
9
Diana GoldenGetty Images Sport / Getty ImagesSkier Diana Golden lost her right leg to cancer at the age of 12. 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.Golden was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, and she had abilateral mastectomyalong 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.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.
Diana Golden
Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
Skier Diana Golden lost her right leg to cancer at the age of 12. 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.
Golden was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, and she had abilateral mastectomyalong 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.
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.
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.
10Mario LemieuxTony McCune / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0Hockey star Mario Lemieux was at the top of his game as a Pittsburgh Penguin when diagnosed withHodgkin’s lymphomain 1993. 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.
10
Mario LemieuxTony McCune / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0Hockey star Mario Lemieux was at the top of his game as a Pittsburgh Penguin when diagnosed withHodgkin’s lymphomain 1993. 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.
Mario Lemieux
Tony McCune / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
Hockey star Mario Lemieux was at the top of his game as a Pittsburgh Penguin when diagnosed withHodgkin’s lymphomain 1993. 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.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Cancer Society.What Is Ovarian Cancer?American Cancer Society.Lessons From the Olympics Help Shannon Miller Through Ovarian Cancer Treatment.National Cancer Institute.Cancer Stat Facts: Testicular Cancer.De Toni L, Šabovic I, Cosci I, Ghezzi M, Foresta C, Garolla A.Testicular Cancer: Genes, Environment, Hormones.Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2019;10:408. doi:10.3389/fendo.2019.00408Zaorsky NG, Zhang Y, Tuanquin L, Bluethmann SM, Park HS, Chinchilli VM.Suicide among cancer patients [published correction appears in Nat Commun.Nat Commun. 2019;10(1):207. doi:10.1038/s41467-018-08170-1
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Cancer Society.What Is Ovarian Cancer?American Cancer Society.Lessons From the Olympics Help Shannon Miller Through Ovarian Cancer Treatment.National Cancer Institute.Cancer Stat Facts: Testicular Cancer.De Toni L, Šabovic I, Cosci I, Ghezzi M, Foresta C, Garolla A.Testicular Cancer: Genes, Environment, Hormones.Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2019;10:408. doi:10.3389/fendo.2019.00408Zaorsky NG, Zhang Y, Tuanquin L, Bluethmann SM, Park HS, Chinchilli VM.Suicide among cancer patients [published correction appears in Nat Commun.Nat Commun. 2019;10(1):207. doi:10.1038/s41467-018-08170-1
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Cancer Society.What Is Ovarian Cancer?American Cancer Society.Lessons From the Olympics Help Shannon Miller Through Ovarian Cancer Treatment.National Cancer Institute.Cancer Stat Facts: Testicular Cancer.De Toni L, Šabovic I, Cosci I, Ghezzi M, Foresta C, Garolla A.Testicular Cancer: Genes, Environment, Hormones.Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2019;10:408. doi:10.3389/fendo.2019.00408Zaorsky NG, Zhang Y, Tuanquin L, Bluethmann SM, Park HS, Chinchilli VM.Suicide among cancer patients [published correction appears in Nat Commun.Nat Commun. 2019;10(1):207. doi:10.1038/s41467-018-08170-1
American Cancer Society.What Is Ovarian Cancer?
American Cancer Society.Lessons From the Olympics Help Shannon Miller Through Ovarian Cancer Treatment.
National Cancer Institute.Cancer Stat Facts: Testicular Cancer.
De Toni L, Šabovic I, Cosci I, Ghezzi M, Foresta C, Garolla A.Testicular Cancer: Genes, Environment, Hormones.Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2019;10:408. doi:10.3389/fendo.2019.00408
Zaorsky NG, Zhang Y, Tuanquin L, Bluethmann SM, Park HS, Chinchilli VM.Suicide among cancer patients [published correction appears in Nat Commun.Nat Commun. 2019;10(1):207. doi:10.1038/s41467-018-08170-1
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