Scott Hamilton's Life Transformed by 3rd Brain Cancer Diagnosis: A Positive Shift

Scott Hamilton remains positive despite receiving his third cancer diagnosis. During the Gold Meets Golden event on Saturday, March 9, the 65-year-old Olympian shared with E! News that he feels everything is going well and as it should be during this challenging time.

Hamilton decided to focus on getting stronger instead of going through chemotherapy or surgery once more. He shared that the decision was driven by a strong inner feeling.

When asked about the reason behind his choice, Hamilton mentioned that he wasn't sure if it was physical, emotional, intellectual, or spiritual. Therefore, he decided to approach it in a holistic manner by choosing all of the above, reminiscent of his high school days.

Hamilton mentioned that going through the process has strengthened his connection with his family. He expressed, "It has truly transformed my life in a positive way. I no longer get worked up over minor issues."

Scott Hamilton Says Life Has Changed Forever After 3rd Cancer Diagnosis Tracie

Tracie and Scott Hamilton Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for T.J. Martell Foundation

The retired figure skater, instead, decided to raise cancer awareness by helping those in need.

"Cancer is a disease that affects all of us," he mentioned. "It's a terrible illness, but there is hope. The level of scientific progress is high, but funding still lags behind. Once we bridge this gap, we can save millions of lives."

Hamilton expressed his optimism about the possibility of all cancers becoming survivable during his lifetime.

In 1997, Hamilton was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He underwent surgery and received treatment to reduce the tumor in his abdomen, eventually achieving remission later that year.

In 2004 and 2010, Hamilton received his first and second brain cancer diagnoses, respectively, undergoing surgery each time. In 2016, the athlete disclosed that he was dealing with a third brain tumor.

Scott Hamilton Says Life Has Changed Forever After 3rd Cancer Diagnosis 2

Scott Hamilton Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

Hamilton jokingly told People that he has a quirky hobby of collecting life-threatening illnesses. He mentioned that six years later, one of his illnesses decided to make a comeback.

Earlier this year, Hamilton shared with People his choice to not undergo treatment for his third tumor. He recalled the moment when doctors informed him that his illness had returned, stating, "It's back."

Hamilton shared that a young, skilled surgeon was brought in and suggested the possibility of another surgery despite its complexity. He expressed confidence in the talented medical team available and believed they could successfully perform the procedure if he chose to go through with it.

Hamilton described his choice to decline further treatment as "remarkable," mentioning that there has been improvement in his cancer condition.

Three months later, when he returned to the scan, he was told that the growth had not increased. However, in another follow-up three months after that, he was surprised to hear that it had actually shrunk by 45 percent. Perplexed, he asked his surgeon for an explanation, to which the response was simply, "God." Subsequent visits showed a further decrease of 25 percent in the growth.

Hamilton and his wife Tracie Robinson have four children together - sons Jean Paul, Aidan, and Maxx, as well as daughter Evelyne.

Editor's P/S:

Scott Hamilton's unwavering optimism and resilience in the face of his third cancer diagnosis is both inspiring and humbling. His decision to focus on holistic healing and prioritize his well-being over traditional medical interventions is a testament to his strength and belief in the power of the mind-body connection. Hamilton's journey highlights the importance of self-advocacy and the need for personalized cancer care that considers the individual's unique needs and preferences.

While Hamilton's experience is not a guarantee that everyone can or should forego medical treatment, it does raise questions about the potential role of alternative approaches in cancer management. His case also underscores the urgent need for increased funding for cancer research, as scientific advancements are crucial for developing more effective and less invasive treatments. By raising awareness and sharing his story, Hamilton is not only providing hope to others facing similar challenges but also advocating for a more comprehensive and compassionate approach to cancer care.