Tennis great Martina Navratilova’s ‘Double Whammy’ cancer diagnosis

By MDLinx staff | Fact-checked by MDLinx staff
Published January 6, 2023

Key Takeaways

  • Tennis champion, commentator, and activist Martina Navratilova recently announced that she was diagnosed with multiple primary cancers.

  • While the “double whammy” diagnosis of two unrelated tumors is uncommon, studies show that the phenomenon is not completely rare.

  • Both of Navratilova’s cancers are in the early stage, and her prognosis is good.

Tennis great Martina Navratilova, 66, recently announced that she has been diagnosed with multiple primary cancers: HPV-related throat cancer and a recurrence of breast cancer. Both cancers are in the early stages, according to a statement on the athlete’s website.[]

After an enlarged lymph node did not resolve in late 2022, Navratilova underwent a biopsy and the tumor was identified. During that time, she noticed a suspicious lump on her breast that was subsequently identified as a tumor. She had previously undergone a lumpectomy and radiation treatment for ductal carcinoma in situ in 2010.[]

“This double whammy is serious but still fixable, and I'm hoping for a favorable outcome,” Navratilova said in a statement.

HPV is sexually transmitted, and it is believed to be responsible for approximately 70% of oropharyngeal cancers.

"The prognosis is good. This particular type responds really well to treatment."

Martina Navratilova

According to the American Cancer Society, treatment for early stage HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers typically includes radiation therapy aimed at the tumor and lymph nodes or surgical removal of the tumor and certain lymph nodes. 

Locally advanced HPV-positive tumors are typically treated with chemoradiation, but surgery may be performed if the surgeon believes the tumor can be removed safely.[]

It is unknown at this time what treatment Navratilova will undergo, but she has been inundated with support.

One-time rival Chis Evert, who recently disclosed she is cancer-free following treatment for an ovarian tumor, wrote on Twitter, “This is a woman who takes on challenges with strength and resilience. You got this, Martina!”

‘Double Whammy’

While a diagnosis of two unrelated types of cancer is unusual, it is not completely rare. 

A meta-analysis published in Oncology found that depending on the definition, overall frequency of multiple primary tumors can vary from 2.4% to 17%.

Underlying causes include a host of lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors.[]

In a Q&A published by the University of Colorado, medical oncologist Jessica McDermott, MD, stated: “One thing we see in head and neck cancers, especially the HPV-related ones, is if there’s any dysregulation of the immune system—for example, if she had chemotherapy or anything else related to her prior breast cancer that would alter her immune system—that sometimes increases the risk of HPV-related cancers.”

Dr. McDonnell is not involved in Navratilova’s treatment plan, but she said the scenario she described is known to occur.[]

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