Sir Chris Hoy, the six-time Olympic sprint cycling champion, has opened up about his life with stage 4 prostate cancer, his fundraising efforts, and his ambition to help other men diagnosed with the disease. Hoy, 50, was diagnosed in September 2023 after a scan identified a tumour in his shoulder, with the primary cancer in his prostate having spread to his pelvis, hip, spine, ribs, and shoulder.
Living with a stage 4 diagnosis
Hoy described the isolation of a cancer diagnosis, saying: "It's so isolating when you get a cancer diagnosis. You're suddenly on borrowed time. You're observing the world and not living in it – because it's for other people. But then you realise you're not special and it's very common, sadly. I want to make sure that anyone in a similar situation will realise they're not alone."
He also highlighted that "10,000 men a year get the news that they have stage 4 prostate cancer," attributing this to a lack of awareness and stressing the need for men to understand the risk.
Treatment and challenges
Hoy undergoes regular blood tests every three to six months, which he described as "horrible because it's like the clock is ticking." He recalled a moment when he checked his PSA results before a stage talk, finding they had risen, but he had to put on a smile and perform.
He also spoke about the difficulties of treatment changes and the emotional toll of waiting for results, preferring Zoom meetings to avoid the hospital environment.
Charity rides and personal resilience
Despite a serious mountain biking accident in November that required a full reconstruction of his tibial plateau, and a torn meniscus last month, Hoy has continued to cycle. He joined his teenage hero Miguel Induráin on a charity ride across Spain, raising £200,000.
Hoy and his wife Sarra raised £3.1m with their Tour de 4 charity ride last September, and they hope to raise even more next month. Sarra was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis two months after Hoy's cancer diagnosis, but she has taken up cycling and is "physically fitter than she's ever been."
Advocacy and hope
Hoy expressed frustration at the lack of a screening system for prostate cancer, saying: "I don't know why we don't [have a screening system]. It just doesn't make sense." He believes a change in prime minister, potentially with Andy Burnham, could help drive proactive action.
He remains hopeful due to advances in treatment, noting that "this is the most exciting time for prostate cancer drug development in the last 25 years." His goals include raising funds, changing perceptions of what is possible with a stage 4 diagnosis, and eventually seeing a screening programme to reduce deaths from prostate cancer.
