Skater Hamilton Learns He Has Testicular Cancer Despite Facing Chemotherapy, Ex-World Champ Vows To Return

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

The diagnosis was made by Dr. Eric Klein, a urologist, and Dr. 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 that 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 70-80 percent 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 said 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 percent 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.