Key Highlights
- Sir Chris Hoy shares health update on his own terminal cancer and wife Sarra’s battle with Multiple Sclerosis.
- Hoy discusses the positive perspective he has adopted during this challenging period.
- Lady Sarra is doing well, though the diagnosis was a major setback after Sir Chris’ own cancer diagnosis.
- Hoy expresses disappointment at the UK National Screening Committee’s recommendation not to make prostate cancer screening routinely available.
Sir Chris Hoy’s Health Update Amid Cancer and Multiple Sclerosis Battle
Legendary British cyclist Sir Chris Hoy shared a health update on his own terminal cancer diagnosis and his wife Lady Sarra’s battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) during an interview with Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman on The Sports Agents podcast. This comes two years after both received life-changing news within mere months of each other.
“I’m doing alright,” Sir Chris began, reflecting on the past couple of years that have turned his world upside down. “It’s been a funny couple of years but it changes your perspective on everything and you learn to kind of live more in the moment.”
Hoy added with a chuckle: “I’ve had a bit of a tumble on the mountain bike which wasn’t ideal, but apart from that… I think anybody who has gone through a serious health diagnosis will say the same, that you go through that initial period of getting to the stage of acceptance and then you just get on with life. Particularly if you’ve got young kids or responsibilities, you just have to get on with it.” He emphasized that despite the challenges, he recognizes his current position is still the same.
When discussing his wife’s health, Hoy revealed: “She’s doing fine.
It was the final kick in the teeth when you thought it couldn’t get any worse. To get that news literally a month or two after my diagnosis, that was the lowest point really.” He went on to praise Lady Sarra’s resilience and their continued efforts to maintain a positive outlook despite the difficulties.
Reflecting further, Hoy said: “There are times when you forget about it. It’s not like two years ago when you woke up and the first thing you thought about was cancer.” This underscores how his perspective has shifted over time as he navigates these complex health challenges with his family.
Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis and Its Impact
Lady Sarra, who shares two children with Sir Chris, initially kept her MS diagnosis to herself after experiencing tingling in her face and tongue. An MRI scan revealed the condition shortly thereafter, marking a significant low point for the couple.
“But she’s an incredible human being,” said Hoy. “We’re still pushing on and we’re still having fun. We’ve got the house decorated for Christmas. There are times when it’s tough but we’re doing really well.” This statement reflects their commitment to maintaining a positive outlook despite the adversities they face.
Cancer Diagnosis and Prostate Cancer Screening
Hoy also reacted recently to news of the UK National Screening Committee’s recommendation not to make prostate cancer screening routinely available for the vast majority of men in the UK. He expressed deep disappointment and concern: “I am extremely disappointed and saddened by the recommendation announced by the National Screening Committee today to rule against national screening for men at high risk of prostate cancer.” This is particularly concerning given his own history with terminal cancer.
He continued, emphasizing the critical importance of early detection: “More than 12,000 men are dying of prostate cancer every year; it is now the UK’s most common cancer in men, with black men at double the risk along with men with a family history, like myself.” Hoy highlighted his determination to continue using his platform to raise awareness and encourage open discussion about early screening and diagnosis.
“Early screening and diagnosis saves lives,” he stressed. “Whilst introducing regular checks for men carrying the BRCA genes is a very small step forward, it is not enough. I know first hand that by sharing my story following my own diagnosis two years ago, many, many lives have been saved.” Hoy’s words carry weight given his firsthand experience with cancer and his commitment to advocating for better health outcomes.
Despite the challenges, Sir Chris Hoy remains a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of serious health issues. His continued advocacy underscores the importance of staying informed and proactive about one’s health, even when faced with difficult circumstances.
