The Silent Inequity: How Society Marginalises People with Stage Four Cancer

Would You Employ Sir Chris Hoy?

When Chris Hoy was diagnosed with stage four cancer he found that there was nothing in all his research that was positive about his condition.

So he has set about doing two things 1. Looking after his family and 2. Raising awareness to make sure that others in his position have a better experience.

This weekend I had the absolute privilege of spending time with cancer survivors and sufferers, some with stage four cancer. They were all participating in their own way in Sir Chris Hoy’s charity bike ride (stationary bike in the velodrome up to a very hilly 57miles through the Campsie Fells).

Stage four cancer is bloody serious but it is not always terminal. However your position in society changes with your diagnosis.

Stage four cancer doesn’t erase a person’s skills, experience, or desire to contribute. Yet many are unemployable by default—not because they lack capability, but because society has decided they no longer fit the mould of a “productive” worker.

So here’s what happens: the triple whammy of a loss of health, loss of income (employers ignore you and shuffle you off their books, others will not employ you because you are uninsurable) and yes let’s call it out ‘social erasure’ (people do not know what to do so invitations dry up, conversations become awkward or overly optimistic and future plans are made without you).

Make no mistake Sir Chris Hoy’s prognosis is unknown yet he breezed through a tough 57-mile bike road and MCed a whole day of fund raising inspiring and uplifting thousands of others in the process. (see video taken 7^th Sept 2025)

Would you want a person like Sir Chris in your team?

Think again about stage four cancer it is not always what it seems.