10 Famous Olympic Athletes Diagnosed With Cancer

Shannon Miller

Gold medal–winning gymnast Shannon Miller was diagnosed with an ovarian germ cell tumor after healthcare providers discovered a baseball-sized cyst on her ovary. Ovarian germ cell tumor is a rare type of ​ovarian cancer that often affects women under the age of 30. When detected early, these tumors are often treatable and curable.

The then 33-year-old mother of one underwent surgery and chemotherapy to treat the disease. She was described as 10-year cancer survivor in a 2021 article published in NIH MedlinePlus Magazine.

Miller launched a women's health website, ​Shannon Miller Lifestyle, to share health tips through blog posts and articles written by experts.

Eric Shanteau

Shortly before the 2008 Olympic trials, Eric Shanteau was diagnosed with testicular cancer. At age 24, he discovered a lump in his testicle and saw his healthcare provider at the urging of his girlfriend.

Healthcare professionals recommended that the swimmer have surgery to remove the testicle immediately. However, Shanteau delayed the procedure to compete in the Olympic trials, ultimately earning a spot on the 2008 Olympic team.

Jake Gibb

While many cancers are detected through medical screening tests, some cases are discovered unconventionally. Such was the case with professional volleyball player Jake Gibb.

The Olympian failed a drug test that revealed abnormally high hormone levels, which can indicate steroid use. Gibb was advised to seek medical attention, since high hormone levels can also signify testicular cancer in men. Soon after failing the drug screening, the athlete was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent surgery to treat the disease.

Gibb is actually a two-time cancer survivor, having fought off melanoma in 2004.

Phil Kessel

In December 2006, National Hockey League (NHL) rookie Phil Kessel was diagnosed with testicular cancer at 19. The forward underwent surgery and only missed 11 games. He later competed in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, in Canada, helping Team USA earn a silver medal.

While most men with testicular cancer do not have any risk factors, those who do should be even more vigilant about performing testicular self-exams.

Lance Armstrong

In 1996, cyclist Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer that had spread to his abdomen, lungs, and brain. Astonishingly, two years later, Armstrong was deemed cancer-free after undergoing extensive chemotherapy and surgery.

Before being diagnosed with cancer, Armstrong participated in the 1992 Olympic Games. He later competed again in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia.

Martina Navratilova

International tennis sensation Martina Navratilova was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, soon after a routine mammogram. Further investigation revealed she had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a noninvasive (non-spreading) type of breast cancer. Navratilova underwent surgery and radiation therapy and remains cancer-free.

Scott Hamilton

In 1997, figure skater Scott Hamilton was diagnosed with testicular cancer. A year after surgery and chemotherapy, the gold medalist returned to the rink to skate professionally.

Hamilton often discusses his disease publicly, bringing much-needed awareness to the condition. He launched the Scott Hamilton CARES Initiative, an organization devoted to cancer research, patient education, and support for patients and their family members. Hamilton remains cancer-free and is active in the cancer community.

Meghan Kinney

Synchronized swimmer Meghan Kinney, an alternate for the 2008 Olympic Games, was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2010.

After experiencing knee pain, her healthcare provider discovered a tumor in her knee. The 21-year-old was diagnosed with ​osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer that usually affects teens and children.

Kinney underwent surgery and 10 months of chemotherapy treatment. She launched an online site, Team Meghan, to help cover the costs of care.

Diana Golden

Skier Diana Golden lost her right leg to cancer at the age of 12. But that didn't stop her dream of becoming a competitive athlete. Four years after she lost her leg, she was competing in her first U.S. Disabled Alpine Championships. She went on to win a gold medal in giant slalom at the 1988 Calgary Olympics.

Golden was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, and she had a bilateral mastectomy along with the removal of her uterus as treatment. The cancer returned in 1997. The skiing legend passed away from the disease in 2001 at age 38.

Mario Lemieux

Hockey star Mario Lemieux was at the top of his game as a Pittsburgh Penguin when diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1993. Lemieux underwent 29 days of radiation therapy as treatment. Today, his cancer remains in remission.

Lemieux founded the Mario Lemieux Foundation, an organization that raises funds for cancer research.