For Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton, Overcoming Cancer Multiple Times Has Brought a New Perspective on Life
Scott Hamilton has been a fighter his whole life. At the age of two, Scott came down with a mysterious illness that stunted his growth, followed by six years of unsuccessful treatments. Despite that major setback, Scott went on to become the 1984 Olympic gold medalist in figure skating. This year, 2024, marks the 40th anniversary of that life-changing accomplishment.
Then, in 1997, Scott was diagnosed with testicular cancer, which he defeated, followed by three brain tumors—in 2004, 2010 and in 2016. My Hometown Health recently talked with Scott to discuss his passion to help cancer patients, the ups and downs of his health journey, and the life lessons he’s learned along the way.
Let’s begin with your most recent cancer diagnosis.
In January 2016, I was diagnosed for a third time with brain cancer. It’s a benign pituitary tumor, but it’s still dangerous because of its location in the brain.
What was your reaction to the news?
Well, let’s put it this way. My first brain cancer diagnosis came as a shock. The second felt like a kick in the gut. But the third time, it felt different. It was like “This is a devil that I know now.” I felt a peace and a calm about my diagnosis and the road ahead. I was given both surgical and medical treatment options, but I decided to go home and make myself as strong as possible physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
What has been the result?
Well, I have watched the tumor shrink and grow over the years.My plan has been to wait until I developed symptoms before receiving medical treatment. But the symptoms have never appeared, so I’ve been able to devote more time to my foundation.
Tell us about that.
It’s called the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation. CARES stands for Cancer Alliance for Research Education and Survivorship. We’re focused on changing the way people are treated for cancer through less invasive means such as Immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
What inspired you to become involved?
My mother was diagnosed with cancer in 1975 when I was only 16. For two years, doctors tried everything to save her, but nothing worked. Cancer treatments back then were not nearly as effective as they are today. After her death, I wanted to find a way to honor her by funding cancer research. That was my inspiration for creating the 4th Angel Mentoring Program. When you’re dealing with cancer, your first two angels are your oncologist and oncology nurse. Your third angel is your friends and family. But what cancer patients also need is a fourth angel. That’s somebody who’s been down the same road, a person who knows exactly what you’re going through because they’re a cancer survivor. At the time, we were working with the Cleveland Clinic and pairing 100 patients a month with a mentor who had previously gone through cancer treatment. Another project I’m proud of is chemocare.com. It provides information about chemotherapy in easy-to-understand English and Spanish.
What advice do you have for people diagnosed with cancer?
It’s so important to gain a full understanding of your treatment options and how they work. Cancer treatment is getting better every day, and new technologies are being developed constantly. Above all, don’t let the disease consume you. Instead, focus all of your energy on getting and staying healthy and making yourself as strong as you can. Exercise. Eat healthy foods. Pour yourself into your family and relationships. Keep learning and growing every day. For men especially, don’t think of yourself as bulletproof and try to tough it out on your own. Lean on your friends and family and find the medical support you need.
Any final thoughts?
It may sound strange, but I can truly say that cancer is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Cancer made me take a long look in the mirror, reflect on my life, strip it down, and ask “What am I here for?” It made me realize that I was just existing, just coasting through life instead of living with purpose. As a result, I’ve become more intentional in how I live. I’ve learned to invest more time in my family and build up my faith. I have more empathy and compassion. Having been given a second, third and fourth chance at life, I’ve learned that every experience is really a blessing in disguise.