Martina Navratilova has cancer

I was watching the French Open Tennis Tournament the other day when my wife said, “You know, she has cancer. She was referring to Martina Navratilova the tennis star that now does TV commentary. Though I’ve worked in oncology for decades and know anyone can develop the disease, I was still surprised.

Martina Navratilova, 53, has had one of the longest and most successful careers of any athlete in any sport. She won 18 grand slam titles and, well into her 40’s, dominated the women’s game where most players are washed up at 30. For millions of tennis players and fans, she’s the epitome of fitness and health.

Reading the media accounts of her diagnosis and treatment, I learned that she is continuing her radiation in Paris even as she goes on camera to broadcast the matches. This did not surprise me. All the time at HopeWell I meet people with cancer who continue their careers and parenting, their weekly golf outings and vacation getaways during treatment. If you’re physically able, you carry on. It’s part of feeling “normal” when everything is not.

I wonder how many French Open viewers know about Martina’s cancer. Have we seen so many celebrities go through their treatment by now that there is nothing remarkable here? We’re interested in your thoughts.

Thomas Large, M.M.H., LCSW-C  Clinical Director, HopeWell  Cancer Support

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