Latest news with #Hoy
Edinburgh Live
13 hours ago
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Sir Chris Hoy's cancer diagnosis has helped to save over 1,000 lives
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Edinburgh cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy has been credited with saving over 1,000 lives following his courageous decision to go public with his terminal prostate cancer diagnosis last October. The six-time Olympic champion, aged 49, stunned fans worldwide when he disclosed his battle with stage 4 prostate cancer. His announcement came shortly after his wife, Sarra, aged 45, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Following his diagnosis, Hoy, collaborated with Prostate Cancer UK to launch an online 30-second 'risk checker' questionnaire. Since its inception, a staggering 180,000 men have utilised the service, leading to more than 1,000 individuals being diagnosed with prostate cancer through PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing. "So that campaign has saved lives," Sir Chris acknowledged. "In all the chaos and all the fear and all the horror of first being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, you can never imagine any positive outcome coming from that situation. So to know that there is one has given me a purpose. In difficult moments, you remind yourself, actually there is a net positive from this whole situation. And I'm lucky because I have a platform." The Edinburgh-born icon has been inundated with messages from men who sought testing after hearing about his ordeal. "My Instagram message feed is stacked with people who had no symptoms," he shared with the Sunday Times. "They had no reason to get a other than they'd seen my news. And they did it off the back of that, and found out they do have prostate cancer. They've caught it early. They're going to get treatment, and it's hopefully going to be OK. That gives me a huge lift." He expressed that his terminal diagnosis has instilled in him "a different level of appreciation of life." While some specialists argue that PSA tests can result in too many false positives and negatives, Hoy, a father of two young children, Callum, aged nine, and Chloe, aged seven, conceded: "It isn't 100 percent accurate. "However, it's the best we've got, and prostate is the most common cancer in England in men. So I believe we need to be more proactive in how we screen. Look at my situation." Despite having a family history of the disease, the Scot noted he had "no symptoms, no warnings, so I would not have got a PSA test if I'd just gone to a regular GP. They'd have said, 'Come back when you're 50'. "But by that point it would have been far too late." He also disclosed that when he is approached for a selfie, his children often ask: "Is it because of cancer?". He remarks: "It's not something that really scares them, they don't talk about it much, it's just there." His partner Sarra remains 'stoic and strong', with the children still oblivious to her diagnosis. Advanced prostate cancer occurs when the cancer cells spread from the prostate - a gland about the size of a walnut located just below the bladder - to other parts of the body. At this advanced stage, it is currently incurable, but can be managed. If the cancer has metastasised to the bone, the most common symptom is bone pain - a dull ache or sharp stabbing sensation that can disrupt sleep. In Sir Chris's case, the first symptom was shoulder pain. His chemotherapy treatment was painful as he opted to wear a cap to prevent hair loss for the sake of his young children. Early-stage prostate cancer often presents no symptoms. However, early indicators may include an increased need to urinate, particularly during the night. Most cases of prostate cancer are detected early through screening. In the UK, men at average risk typically undergo their first screening test at 55. The public's interest in 'Sir Chris Hoy' surged after he disclosed his diagnosis, with charities and fellow athletes commending his bravery. Those at high risk may be tested as early as 45 or even younger. Hoy's 'Tour de 4' is scheduled for Sept 7, a charity bike ride involving 5,000 cyclists, many of whom are living with stage 4 cancer. The event aims to raise £1m and will start and finish at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow. To participate, visit
Scottish Sun
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Sir Chris Hoy reveals saving cancer lives has given him ‘huge lift' after opening up last year about his own battle
The Olympian legend has discussed the impact it's had on others HERO CYCLIST Sir Chris Hoy reveals saving cancer lives has given him 'huge lift' after opening up last year about his own battle SIR Chris Hoy revealed that using his platform to help save the lives of cancer sufferers has been a "huge lift". The cycling and Team GB icon, 49, opened up last year about his battle with terminal prostate cancer. Advertisement 2 Chris Hoy has said helping others fight cancer has given him a fresh lift Credit: AFP 2 The Scottish Olympic legend revealed last year he had stage 4 cancer Credit: Getty And the dad-of-two told how he's been bombarded with positive messages about his ongoing fight. He told The Sunday Times: "My Instagram message feed is stacked with people who had no symptoms, and no other kind of reason to go and get a PSA [prostate-specific antigen] test other than they'd seen my news. "And they did it off the back of that, and found out they do have prostate cancer and they've caught it early, and they're going to get treatment, and it's hopefully going to be OK. That gives me a huge lift." Six-time gold medal winner Hoy also opened up about the impact it's had on others. Advertisement The dad-of-two added: "That campaign has saved lives. "In all the chaos and all the fear and all the horror of first being diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, you can never imagine any positive outcome coming from that situation. "So to know that there is one has given me a purpose. "In difficult moments, you remind yourself, actually there is a net positive from this whole situation. Advertisement "And I'm lucky because I have a platform." It comes after Sir Chris was rudely awoken at 4am after a hotel guest's blunder forced him to move room. Moment cycling hero Sir Chris Hoy forced to leave room at 4am amid cancer fight after bathroom floods through ceiling_1 The Scottish cycling legend, 49, attended the Ring Drivers' Convention in Nurburg, Germany, yesterday and enjoyed a spin in a Porsche 992 GT3 RS alongside Top Gear presenter Chris Harris. He shared a selfie of the pair on social media, captioning it: "First time on the @nuerburgring, what a flippin' place. Advertisement "Thought I'd jump in for a passenger lap with this guy in his 992 GT3 RS to learn the lines. Says he knows what he's doing…" Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
The National
17 hours ago
- Health
- The National
Raising awareness of prostate cancer gives me purpose, says Chris Hoy
One of Scotland's most decorated athletes, Hoy announced his diagnosis last year, shocking the sporting world. But far from slowing down, the 11-time world champion track cyclist and six-time Olympic gold medallist has turned his hand to campaigning, urging more men to be aware of the dangers of the disease. The inbox on his Instagram account, he told the Sunday Times, is 'stacked' with men saying news of his diagnosis had spurred them to get tested and they had managed to catch it early. READ MORE: Orkney prepares to welcome athletes for the ultimate island showdown 'That gives me a huge lift,' he told the newspaper. He works alongside Prostate Cancer UK, which provides an online risk-checking tool that has been used by more than 180,000 men. 'That campaign has saved lives,' he said. 'And you know, in all the chaos and all the fear and all the horror of first being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, you can never imagine any positive outcome coming from that situation. 'So to know that there is one has given me a purpose. 'In difficult moments you remind yourself, actually there is a net positive from this whole situation. And I'm lucky because I have a platform.' Since his own diagnosis, it was announced his wife Sarra had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Asked about his wife's illness, Hoy says she 'doesn't talk about it a massive amount'. 'I think she's just determined to try and not allow it to get its feet under the table,' he said. 'It fluctuates, so she gets good days and bad days. 'When the days are difficult, she doesn't ever admit to it, but clearly the thoughts are, 'is this the start of a decline? Is this how it's going to be from now on?' 'It's very difficult, and she's so stoic and strong, and not willing to ask for sympathy.'
Wales Online
18 hours ago
- Health
- Wales Online
Chris Hoy's selfless wife kept heartbreaking secret and their kids still don't know
Chris Hoy's selfless wife kept heartbreaking secret and their kids still don't know The Team GB legend announced last year that his condition was terminal with doctors giving him two to four years left to live Sarra was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis after her husband received his cancer diagnosis Sir Chris Hoy has opened up on living with terminal cancer and revealed how he and his wife are approaching family life amid their respective health battles. The six-time Olympic champion cyclist was diagnosed with cancer in 2023 and announced last year that his condition was terminal, after a scan found primary cancer in his prostate which had spread to his bones, including his shoulder, pevils, ribs and spine. Tragically, Hoy was given between two and four years left to live by doctors. In a cruel twist, his wife Sarra was then diagnosed with an aggressive form of multiple sclerosis (MS), having had a scan just a week after her husband's cancer diagnosis. The couple have two young children - Callum, 10, and Chloe, seven - and Hoy has spoken previously about how his first thought when Sarra got her diagnosis was how they were going to break the news to them, describing it as an "absolute horror" and "a waking nightmare". However, while the 49-year-old feared the impact that making his diagnosis public would have on his children, he now says that his illness is "not something that really scares them" and his family are currently "in a nice spot". "Touch wood, it doesn't feel as though they've been massively affected by it," he told The Times as he provided an update on his health. "They've always been a bit frustrated with people coming up, wanting a photograph of Daddy. Now they're like, 'Oh, is it because of the cancer?' "I think they understand that cancer is part of our lives. It's not something that really scares them, they don't really talk about it much, it's just there.' While Callum and Chloe know about their father's illness, however, Hoy also revealed he and Sarra have not told them about her MS diagnosis, adding that she "doesn't want the focus". Indeed, Sarra initially kept her illness from her husband as he dealt with his cancer diagnosis. The neurological condition, which affects the brain and spinal cord, is incurable but treatment can make it manageable. 'She doesn't talk about it a massive amount," he said when asked how Sarra's condition had affected daily life. "I think she's just determined to try and not allow it to get its feet under the table. It fluctuates, so she gets good days and bad days. "When the days are difficult, she doesn't ever admit to it, but clearly the thoughts are, 'Is this the start of a decline? Is this how it's going to be from now on?' It's just, it's very difficult, and she's so stoic and strong, and not willing to ask for sympathy.' On not telling their children, Hoy added: 'They know that she's got sore hands sometimes, and I think that's about the extent of it. "If it wasn't for my diagnosis, I think it would be getting a lot more attention, but she likes it that way. She doesn't want the focus, she just wants to crack on.' The Team GB icon has previously paid tribute to his wife as "the epitome of selflessness", having supported him in the wake of his diagnosis despite also dealing with her own heartbreaking health battle. He recalled in his autobiography that she went for a routine MRI just seven days after his cancer diagnosis for doctors to investigate a tingling sensation in her face and tongue and did not mention anything more of it for over a month. 'Then one evening in December, after our kids Callum and Chloe had gone to bed, Sarra looked serious and said she had something to tell me," he wrote. "I realised immediately it was something big as Sarra, always so strong in every situation, was beginning to crumble and struggling to get the words out. 'Do you remember that scan I went for?' she started through tear-filled eyes. 'Well, they think it might be multiple sclerosis'. I immediately broke down, distraught both by the news and the fact she'd received it without me there. 'She went on to explain they had called her and told her over a month before. It was so hard to try to compute that she had absorbed the awfulness of this diagnosis alone, without sharing it with me, in order to protect me. I tried to let the words sink in as my mind was spinning, trying to understand what had been happening to her, all while she had been accompanying me to every one of my own hospital appointments." Article continues below He added: "She is the epitome of selflessness, putting the kids and me before herself and always doing it through love not obligation. The future is a great unknown for us both now." Reflecting on how he felt after being told his cancer was terminal, Hoy added: "Initially you feel you're never going to tell your kids off again. You want them to only remember you as the perfect father who always says yes if they want an ice cream, or yes if they get on the iPad, or whatever. And you realise that that phase is very short. "It feels like the family routine is as it was before, which I think is remarkable, really. That will definitely change, obviously, but I think for now we're just getting on with life, and it just feels like we're in a nice spot.'
Edinburgh Live
18 hours ago
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Sir Chris Hoy shares 'positive outcome' after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Sir Chris Hoy has opened up about his experience with prostate cancer, sharing that his journey to raise awareness has brought him a sense of 'purpose'. The six-time Olympic gold medalist shocked the world last year by announcing his terminal stage four diagnosis. But rather than slowing down, the 11-time world champion track cyclist is now focused on advocacy, encouraging more men to recognise the risks of the disease. He told the Sunday Times that his Instagram inbox is filled with messages from other men who detected their prostate cancer early after being motivated by his experience. The 49-year-old now works alongside Prostate Cancer UK, which provides an online risk-checking tool that more than 180,000 men have used. "That campaign has saved lives," he told the newspaper. "And you know, in all the chaos and all the fear and all the horror of first being diagnosed with stage four cancer, you can never imagine any positive outcome coming from that situation. "So to know that there is one has given me a purpose. In difficult moments you remind yourself, actually there is a net positive from this whole situation. And I'm lucky because I have a platform." The Hoy family has faced significant challenges since Sir Chris' diagnosis. The cyclist's wife, Sarra, has also been grappling with a severe form of multiple sclerosis (MS). She was diagnosed shortly after discovering that her husband's condition had advanced to stage four. Asked about his wife's illness, Sir Chris said she doesn't discuss it too much. The Edinburgh-born athlete continued: "When the days are difficult, she doesn't ever admit to it, but clearly the thoughts are, 'Is this the start of a decline? Is this how it's going to be from now on?' "It's very difficult, and she's so stoic and strong, and not willing to ask for sympathy." How is prostate cancer tested? While there is no single test for prostate cancer, medics may conduct physical examinations, MRI scans, biopsies or blood tests to make a diagnosis. One such blood examination is referred to as a PSA test. This determines the level of prostate-specific antigen in your blood, where increased levels could indicate prostate issues, according to the NHS. Prostate Cancer UK states that 'normal' PSA levels are typically less than 3ng/ml, though this can vary due to factors like age and medication. The NHS does not routinely offer PSA testing. However, you may be encouraged to have one if you are exhibiting symptoms of prostate cancer. Blood in urine or semen, struggling to urinate or peeing more frequently than usual are among the potential signs of this disease. Current NHS guidance explains: "You may be offered a PSA test if a doctor thinks you have symptoms that could be prostate cancer. "If you're having treatment for a prostate condition you may be offered regular PSA tests to check how the treatment is working. Men aged 50 or over can ask their GP for a PSA test, even if they do not have symptoms. Anyone aged 50 or over with a prostate can ask for a PSA test. "There is a risk a PSA test result may not be accurate, and you may be offered tests and treatment you do not need. You can discuss the benefits and risks of a PSA test with your GP." For more information, head to the NHS website.
