Sir Chris Hoy gives update on terminal cancer diagnosis saying ‘in some ways improved my life’

Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy has given an update following his terminal cancer diagnosis. The 49-year-old announced last year that his cancer had spread to his bones, and that doctors had given him between two and four years to live.

The six-time Olympic gold medallist has revealed an upbeat attitude towards his battle with the disease saying that it has “in some ways improved my life” as he continues to do battle with the disease.

Hoy told the BBC: “It’s changed my life without question, but in some ways it’s improved my life. It’s changed my outlook on a lot of things. I’m not as bothered by small things.

“I think I try and focus on the here and the now, enjoying the moment, making the most of today, and trying to find something positive in any situation.”

Sir Chris has said he is learning to make the most of every opportunity and is relishing the time he is able to spend with his family. “I’m doing well. I’m able to keep doing all the things that I enjoy, spend a lot of time with my family, and I hope to be around for a lot longer yet.”

Earlier this month TV presenter Dermot Murnaghan urged men in high-risk groups to get themselves checked for prostate cancer as he discussed his own stage 4 cancer diagnosis. Dermot said he had heard Sir Chris talk about his stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis, which has inspired thousands of other men to get themselves checked.

Appearing on BBC Breakfast, he said that many men do not realise they are at high risk – being aged over 50, being black, and having a family history of prostate cancer – while many simply put off getting tested. “I was one of them and I put it off because I felt fine,” he said. The 67-year-old added: “My message here today, I think, is men – if you’re in a high-risk group – go and get yourself checked.”

Asked about his prognosis, he said: “I’m doing good. I’m stage 4, I’m very clear about that. At this point it’s incurable but it’s not untreatable, and that’s the big point we’ve got to make to people. There’s so, so many millions of people affected by stage 4 cancer of various kinds.

“It isn’t game over. It’s bad. But there are great treatments out there, there are great professionals out there looking after people, and they’re looking after me.”