Skater Hamilton Has Cancer

Figure skating star Scott Hamilton, a four-time world champion and the 1984 Olympic gold medalist, has been told he has testicular cancer, his public relations firm said Wednesday.

The diagnosis was made by Eric Klein, a urologist, and Ronald Bukowski, an oncologist, of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Hamilton, 38, performed in Peoria, Ill., on Sunday night despite suffering from severe stomach pain during the last several weeks.

On Monday, Hamilton went to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, where he underwent tests which confirmed a tumor in his lower abdomen caused by cancer cells within the testicle region.

Both doctors agreed that the best form of treatment is chemotherapy, and confirmed that 70% to 80% of men with the condition are curable.

“Within the last 48 hours, I am blessed to have had the assistance of such a remarkable team of medical specialists, the unwavering support of the cast of Discover Stars On Ice, my management and those friends and colleagues closest to me,” Hamilton was quoted as saying in a press release.

“With such an extraordinary group of people, coupled with my own belief that the only disability in life is a bad attitude, I feel 100% confident that I can overcome this disease and be back on the ice within a few months.”

Testicular cancer has struck such athletes as miler Steve Scott, cyclist Lance Armstrong, baseball players Mike Gallego and John Kruk, golfer Todd Barranger and tennis player Butch Walts.