- Scot, 48, announced this weekend that he had terminal cancer
- Since that interview, MacMillan Cancer Support has reported a surge of online interest in prostate cancer
- Hoy said he hoped “many lives” could be saved if men were tested early
- Mail Sport has called for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow to honor Hoy by raising awareness of prostate cancer
Sir Chris Hoy admits he has been ‘overwhelmed’ by the number of men seeking cancer advice since announcing his terminal diagnosis.
The 48-year-old Scottish sporting legend’s revelation last weekend that he has two to four years to live sparked a huge increase in online searches about the disease.
They reached their highest level since the announcement in February and March of King Charles and Princess Kate’s respective diagnoses.
In fact, traffic to the MacMillan Cancer Support website was 34 percent higher than the average Sunday of the previous year, and its prostate cancer online pages received 1,600 hits, a 132 percent increase on typical Sunday web traffic.
The charity believes Hoy’s decision to be open about his diagnosis now could save lives by encouraging people to consult their doctor about their symptoms.
In a video posted to Instagram on Thursday, Hoy said: I now have a deep resolve to turn this incredibly difficult diagnosis into something more positive.
Sir Chris Hoy is taking a positive – and inspiring – approach following his cancer diagnosis
Sir Chris and his wife Lady Sarra say they are both determined to get the best out of life
Hoy’s two gold medals at London 2012 took his total to a remarkable six gold medals
‘I understand that there has been a huge increase in the number of men seeking advice about prostate cancer in recent days and it has been a huge comfort to us to know that many lives can hopefully be saved by early testing.’
On Tuesday morning, Mail Sport called for the upcoming Commonwealth Games to be used not only to honor Sir Chris, but also to raise awareness of prostate cancer and raise money for prevention and a cure.
That idea received widespread support, including across political divides, with Scottish First Minister John Swinney saying he would be “very supportive” of the idea of the event becoming known as “the Chris Hoy Games”.
Conservative MSP Annie Wells also tweeted: ‘I’m happy to support the call to name the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after Sir Chris Hoy, one of our best and most inspiring athletes.’
Hoy revealed in his Instagram video that he has written a book called All That Matters, due out next month, about his illness and the story of his life since he retired in 2013.
He described the writing experience as cathartic for himself and his family, saying he hopes the book can provide insight into how families cope with a terminal diagnosis and “remind us that all we have is now.”
Hoy’s wife, Sarra, also took to social media on Thursday to pay tribute to her husband, saying his announcement that his condition is terminal will “likely save countless lives.”
Lady Sarra wrote on Instagram that the couple, who married in Edinburgh 14 years ago and have two children, are “excited about the future” and have “so many more adventures planned.”
Sharing a photo of herself with Sir Chris on holiday, she said messages of support have been ‘like a soothing balm to the soul’.
She wrote: ‘Completely overwhelmed by your kind, thoughtful and helpful messages. Many people say they don’t know what to say – that’s okay, you don’t have to have the words – just taking the time to send a message is like a soothing balm for the soul. Thank you.
‘I’m told the number of men seeking advice about prostate cancer has increased sevenfold and Chris’ story is likely to save countless lives. This took my breath away.
‘Life is wonderful. We are excited about the future. We have so many more adventures planned… And I’m so lucky to be doing it all with @chrishoy1 – the most incredible person I’ve ever met.
‘Watching him on the BBC this weekend was like watching a masterclass in strength of character, dignity and humility.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: he really is my real-life superhero.”