Six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy has shared details of the mental struggle he faces while living with terminal cancer. The 50-year-old former track cyclist, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 2023 and later told the cancer had spread to his bones with a life expectancy of two to four years, says the mental side is the biggest challenge.
Mental side 'the biggest challenge'
"The mental side of a cancer diagnosis is probably the biggest challenge by far," he told The Big Issue. "The physical side is difficult, but the mental side is a real challenge." He added: "I don't want to present myself as someone doing really well, everything's great, I've cracked it. There are some days where it's really tough. There are ups and downs."
Despite the difficulties, Hoy maintains a positive outlook. "You can get through the most difficult of moments if you bring yourself back to the here and now and don't try and think too far ahead," he said. "I think we always try to predict the future."
Raising awareness and staying active
Since his diagnosis, Hoy has focused on raising cancer awareness and fundraising through initiatives such as his charity cycling event, Tour de 4. He remains involved in Glasgow's 2026 Commonwealth Games, participating in the opening ceremony last week and continuing to provide track cycling punditry.
Last year, he told Sky Sports that while there is no cure, his cancer is stable: "I've entered a bit of a stability stage at the moment. I'm feeling good, exercising, riding the bike, busy and most importantly cancer is not the first thing I think about in the morning when I wake up and it's not the last thing I think about when I go to bed at night." He added: "I feel good, you know, I'm on constant medications, constant treatment, but it's not interfering too much with my life. And the most important thing is it's working, so I'm stable at the moment, everything's good. So making hay while the sun shines."
Prostate cancer symptoms and awareness
According to the NHS, prostate cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages and can be successfully treated if diagnosed early. The cancer usually starts on the outer part of the prostate, so it does not press on the urethra and cause symptoms until it has grown larger or spread. Symptoms can include changes in urination, such as difficulty starting, weak flow, urgency, or needing to pee during the night. Other signs include erectile dysfunction, blood in urine or semen, lower back pain, and unexplained weight loss. These do not necessarily mean cancer, but it is important to get checked by a healthcare professional. A blood test (PSA test) can identify prostate issues even without symptoms.
