Doing What You Love Amid Cancer
- Olympic gold medalist Chris Hoy, 48, was diagnosed with cancer last year, and although he’s been undergoing chemotherapy to treat the disease, which he hasn’t disclosed what it is, he’s impressibly continued to do the one of his most beloved activities—cycling.
- Being grateful for moments in life can help cancer patients, or anyone battling some type of disease, stay positive and uplifted. Experts tell SurvivorNet that positive patients typically have more successful treatment outcomes.
- We’re delighted to see Hoy continuing to cycle, and it’s empowering to know that research published in “Cancers” last year noted that “Physical activity has been shown to reduce the side effects of treatment and fatigue in cancer patients.”
- Experts recommend anyone facing cancer should make sure they continue to prioritize their overall well-being and do the things that they love. It can help fuel a positive attitude.
Eleven-time world champion and a six-time Olympic champion Chris Hoy, 48, was diagnosed with cancer last year—but his positivity and determination to maintain his fitness and cycling goals, as well as getting the necessary treatment, allows him to happily push through his battle with a disease that he's not gone into much detail about. Although it's unclear what type of cancer Joy is battling, the former Scottish track cyclist appears to be doing well just months after announcing his diagnosis, as he often takes to social media to share footage of himself cycling, something that's helped him cope while undergoing chemotherapy.
Hoy recently posted an update on his Instagram to inform his fans about the
unique cycling trip he was set to do in the "rolling hills of Perthshire," writing alongside a photo of himself, "I can’t believe this amazing weekend is almost here! Come and join me and explore the rolling hills of Perthshire on a unique cycling and culinary break at the world famous @thegleneagleshotel! "These two-night cycling weekends promise unforgettable rides through the tranquil countryside with breath-taking views of great glens, lochs and Munros, coupled with genuinely world-class hospitality, dining and deep relaxation."He then admitted that cycling has helped him amid his cancer treatment, and although the specifics of his diagnosis are unclear, we're delighted to know he's continued doing what he loves despite the difficulties that have been through his way. "It’s been a long hard winter for me, particularly undergoing chemo for the last few months. I’ve managed to ride my indoor bike every day bar 3 since my cancer diagnosis and throughout I’ve had these dates as a target in my mind to keep fit for," the father of two and loving husband to Saraa Kemp continued. "I’m so excited it’s almost here and I can’t wait to get out on some of my favorite roads in Scotland. I’d be delighted for you to come and join me and @sarra.hoy on these special weekends, there are a limited number of places still available for you and your partners."
In another post, Hoy offered some insight into why he continues to ride after retirement, admitting, "What keeps me riding is the fact that fundamentally I enjoy it whether it's indoors on Zwift [an indoor cycling app for smart trainers or bikes] or out doors in the fresh air. "I love the feeling you get during and after it because then mentally you feel better." He concluded, "You become more aware of your general health as well and you know, training used to be purely about performance, it used to be about numbers, about data, about winning gold medals. "But now, you do it because of longevity ... you're trying to keep your health and have fun."
Expert Resources On Staying Active Through Cancer
The retired track cyclist who's won multiple titles during his career went public with his diagnosis back in February, where he shared an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3awuqqKQns/?hl=en" rel="nofollow external noopener noreferrer"> Instagram post </a> announcing that his 2023 cancer diagnosis "came as a huge shock" as he didn't have any symptoms leading up to it. “I’m currently receiving treatment, including chemotherapy, which thankfully is going really well,” Hoy continued. <strong><a href="https://www.survivornet.com/articles/olympian-chris-hoy-47-announces-cancer-diagnosis-he-initially-hoped-to-keep-private-deciding-when-to-speak-up-about-cancer-is-personal/?newhomepage=true" rel="nofollow"> RELATED: Olympian Chris Hoy Announces Cancer Diagnosis He Initially Hoped to Keep Private — Deciding When to Speak Up About Cancer is Personal </a></strong> He added, “For the sake of my young family, I had hoped to keep this information private, but regrettably, our hand has been forced. Whilst I’m thankful for any support, I’d like to deal with this privately." <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate><iframe height="100%" src="https://watch.survivornet.com/?id=b8jyS0q4" width="100%"></iframe><strong> WATCH: What to know about sharing your diagnosis? </strong><h2> Do What You Love During & After Cancer </h2> During cancer treatment, and also after, it can be hard to focus on anything except your treatment or the challenges that follow a cancer battle. However, Chris Hoy is a wonderful example that it’s important to take a moment and <a href="https://www.survivornet.com/articles/ovarian-cancer-the-importance-of-emotional-health/" rel="nofollow"> focus on something </a> that makes you genuinely happy. Experts recommend you try to take some time out of your day a few times a week and really enjoy those special pockets of joy. “We know from good studies that emotional health is associated with survival, meaning better quality of life is associated with better outcomes,” <a href="https://arizonaoncology.com/physicians/dana-m-chase-md-facog/" rel="nofollow external noopener noreferrer"> Dr. Dana Chase </a> , a gynecologic oncologist at Arizona Oncology, previously told SurvivorNet. “So working on your emotional health, your physical well-being, your social environment [and] your emotional well-being are important and can impact your survival. If that’s related to what activities you do that bring you joy, then you should try to do more of those activities.” <iframe height="100%" src="https://watch.survivornet.com/?id=bq4IoAJP" width="100%"></iframe><a href="https://www.survivornet.com/articles/ovarian-cancer-the-importance-of-emotional-health/" rel="nofollow"><strong> Dr. Dana Chase Encourages Those Facing Cancer to Find Moments of Joy During Treatment </strong></a><h2> Keeping Fit and Managing Stress </h2> Just as a healthy and balanced diet is always important, staying fit with regular exercise has a numerous benefits for cancer warriors and their loved ones alike. “The more physically fit you are going through your cancer treatment, the fewer side effects you’ll have and the faster you;’ll get back to your normal quality of life,” <a href="https://faculty.mdanderson.org/profiles/sairah_ahmed.html" rel="nofollow external noopener noreferrer"> Dr. Sairah </a> Ahmed told SurvivorNet. Dr. Ahmed is an associate professor in the Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma, Division of Cancer Medicine, at MD Anderson Cancer Center. <iframe height="100%" src="https://watch.survivornet.com/?id=jxFz0CtQ" width="100%"></iframe><a href="https://www.survivornet.com/articles/the-role-of-diet-and-exercise-in-cancer-risk/" rel="nofollow"><strong> The Role of Diet and Exercise in Cancer Risk </strong></a> Far from just physical fitness, Dr. Ahmed emphasizes the importance of emotional strength—both for patients and their loved ones. “Stress control is often something that is not talked about and is not given much weight, but there is a lot of stress, both in terms of the patient who’s going through cancer, as well as the family who has to support that patient,” she says. Of course, there are health worries. But there are so many more challenging factors to tackle, too. <iframe height="100%" src="https://watch.survivornet.com/?id=Tev66bNI" width="100%"></iframe><a href="https://www.survivornet.com/articles/staying-active-after-a-cancer-diagnosis/" rel="nofollow"><strong> Staying Active After a Cancer Diagnosis </strong></a> “There’s financial stress, there’s emotional stress, and being able to deal with that as well as talk to professionals when you need it, is very important,” she says. “Staying on cancer treatment is the one thing that will help to cure your disease, and if you are so sad or so overwhelmed that that doesn’t happen, then you’re actually going to compromise your cancer treatment.” She recommends preparing for “stress” and seeking professional support if needed, as a key piece of preparing for cancer treatment. <h2> Living a Healthy Lifestyle </h2> It’s lovely to see Chris Hoy maintaining a healthy lifestyle—and the general recommendations for a <a href="https://www.survivornet.com/articles/recommendations-for-a-healthy-lifestyle/" rel="nofollow"> healthy lifestyle </a> are the same whether you have cancer or not. <a href="https://www.survivornet.com/author/dr-ken-miller/" rel="nofollow"> Dr. Ken Miller </a> , the Director of Outpatient Oncology at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, has some guidelines for cancer survivors who are concerned about a recurrence: 1. Exercise at least two hours a week and walking counts. <a href="https://www.survivornet.com/articles/major-reduction-in-cancer-risk-by-following-old-standbys-diet-and-exercise/" rel="nofollow"><strong> RELATED: Major Reduction in Cancer Risk by Following Old Standbys Diet and Exercise </strong></a> 2. Eat a low-fat diet. The <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/article-abstract/2682190" rel="nofollow external noopener noreferrer"> Women’s Intervention Nutrition Study </a> , which looked at early-stage breast cancer patients, found that a low-fat diet was associated with reduced risk for cancer recurrence, particularly in those with estrogen receptor-negative cancers. Other studies have found that foods with a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4780226/" rel="nofollow external noopener noreferrer"> high glycemic index </a> that are digested quickly and cause a spike in blood sugar may lead to tumor growth in lung cancer patients. 3. Eat a colorful diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. The <a href="https://www.cancer.org/treatment/survivorship-during-and-after-treatment/understanding-recurrence/can-i-do-anything-to-prevent-cancer-recurrence.html" rel="nofollow external noopener noreferrer"> American Cancer Society </a> recommends aiming for two to three cups of vibrant vegetables and fruits each day. 4. Maintain a healthy weight. Studies have shown that being obese can increase your risk for several types of cancer. The <a href="https://www.survivornet.com/articles/theres-a-rainbow-shannen-doherty-52-says-she-exercised-during-chemo-for-breast-cancer-to-make-her-recovery-easier-and-kept-a-positive-mindset/#:~:text=How%20Exercise%20Can,in%20cancer%20patients.%E2%80%9D" rel="nofollow"> National Cancer Institute </a> recommends cancer survivors maintain "some level of physical activity." The NCI cites a 2018 report by the American College of Sports Medicine International Multidisciplinary Roundtable on Physical Activity and Cancer Prevention and Control, which found “strong evidence that moderate-intensity aerobic training and/or resistance exercise during and after cancer treatment can reduce anxiety, depressive symptoms, and fatigue and improve health-related quality of life and physical function.” Additional research published in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9454950/" rel="nofollow external noopener noreferrer"> “Cancers” </a> last year noted that “Physical activity has been shown to reduce the side effects of treatment and fatigue in cancer patients.” “Lack of exercise actually begets fatigue,” <a href="https://nyulangone.org/doctors/1144222175/marleen-i-meyers" rel="nofollow external noopener noreferrer"> Dr. Marleen Meyers </a> , a medical oncologist and Director of the Cancer Survivorship Program at NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center, <a href="https://www.survivornet.com/articles/how-to-deal-with-the-side-effects-of-chemotherapy/" rel="nofollow"> told SurvivorNet </a> in a previous conversation about how to deal with some of chemo’s most challenging side effects. “So the best treatment for fatigue is exercise. And what we have to do is get people over the hump, to get initial exercise going.” Dr. Meyers treats patients with breast cancer, but she said her advice applies to many other cancers as well. <em> Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff </em></div>
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