Martina Navratilova, the 18-time Grand Slam winner, recently opened up about facing throat and breast cancer simultaneously. On Oct. 2, she told Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb on TODAY that she was diagnosed with two unrelated cancers.
What happened?
The first cancer diagnosed was throat cancer, and then a lump was found on her breast. Navratilova knew it was cancer, having previously been diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer.
Navratilova's experience with cancer has been physically demanding, but she's now cancer-free and feeling well enough to go to the gym. She's still processing her experience, which she described as the hardest thing she's ever gone through.
Why it matters for Martina Navratilova
Navratilova's mindset, which helped her win tennis matches, guided her through cancer treatment. She believes in staying positive and surrounding herself with a good team, including her friend and tennis rival Chris Evert.
Evert, who learned she had stage 1 ovarian cancer in December 2021 and announced she was cancer-free in January 2023, was a big part of Navratilova's support team. The two champions went through similar emotional experiences and helped each other stay positive.
What comes next?
Navratilova joined TODAY to urge women to keep up with regular breast cancer screenings. She emphasized the importance of paying attention to their bodies and learning if they have dense breasts, which may require additional screenings.
Navratilova's experience has taught her the value of regular check-ups, and she wants to spread awareness about the importance of early detection. She's diligent about her scans, which helped her catch her two most recent cancers in early stages.
On Oct. 2, Navratilova shared her story with TODAY, hoping to inspire women to take control of their health. Her journey to recovery is a testament to her strength and resilience, both on and off the tennis court.