‘Don’t wait’: What a world-class triathlete learned on her breast cancer journey

When Marion Hughes crossed the finish line of the Ironman (IM) World Championships in Nice, France, it was the culmination of much more than her racing career.

It was the final chapter in a story of triumph that was almost cut short.

That’s because Marion is a two-time ung thư vú survivor, and there was a time when her ability to cross any finish line at all was in serious doubt.

The “Girl on Fire” told her story to the Prevent Cancer Foundation in 2021 after ultimately being declared cancer-free.

Marion shared details of how her cancers were diagnosed and explained it all began with the discovery of a lump in her breast in 2018.

After several months of ignoring it, then reluctantly scheduling a biopsy, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

She said her first diagnosis began with expected devastation and uncertainty. But that quickly pivoted to a determination to survive and thrive. She began training again with new races and challenges in mind, but all that was suddenly interrupted.

“Despite taking anti-cancer medication, during a routine examination of my remaining right breast, the radiologist found cancer markers,” Marion said, adding that she would eventually opt for a prophylactic mastectomy.

Now, a little more than three years later and after completing her final IM triathlon, Marion caught up with the Foundation to share updates.

She says that while her IM career is complete, her mission to help others is far from over.

“I aspire to show others, especially breast cancer patients and survivors, that we can not only be physically strong but that also anything is possible,” Marion said.

Marion’s first IM triathlon following her breast cancer battle took place in September 2021 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She saw it as a barometer of both her physical progress and mental resiliency.

“I spent my time from first diagnosis to present day trying to take back what I thought breast cancer took from me—two years of my life consumed with surgeries and recovery, taking me on a path away from my passion and life as a triathlete,” Marion said. “When I was released from treatment and recovery, I vowed to see how good I could be at triathlons. I aspired to get back to the level of fitness I had before the diagnosis.”

Marion threw herself 100% into training with former professional triathletes and Olympians. She physically trained 18–20 hours a week while holding a full-time job, but also credits a shift in how she mentally approached her cancer battle for her ability to bounce back, race again and achieve the unbelievable feat of qualifying for IM World Championships.

“I used to say breast cancer robbed me of my strength and endurance. But what I’ve come to realize is that breast cancer didn’t take from me. What breast cancer gave to me was self-discovery and clarity of potential,” she said.

As for her first race back, it was progress. A milestone she knew she had to clear.

“When that start gun went off, I executed,” she said. “My body performed as it was trained, and my mind was rock solid. I was elated when I crossed the finish line and learned that I placed third in my age group.”

Part of that third-place finish included first place in the marathon portion, the last leg of the grueling race day.

“In this first race after battling cancer, I had proven to myself that when life is uncertain and challenging, I continue to move forward because breast cancer reminded me that I can,” she said. “Don’t wait for a life-threatening event to realize your potential.”

Fast forward three years to September 2024, from her first race, post-cancer, to her final race, period. This time, amid the physical preparation for another grueling race, came a unique period of reflection.

Marion learned a lot about herself during her journey but believes what is inside her is also inside all cancer survivors.

“As breast cancer patients, we may not feel that we have control over our diagnosis, the disease and our bodies. I felt devastated because cancer took me on a path away from what I enjoyed most—training and racing,” she said. “I started to focus on what I could control, turned all those emotions into fuel, and I became a Girl on Fire. I threw the best post-mastectomy party ever. I continued to work out hard. I even dated post-surgery and during breast reconstruction. Yeah, I showed up to dates with just one boob. I refused to accept defeat or surrender to cancer’s control.”

As for what comes next, Marion says that she’s ready to pursue other interests that she’s had to put on the back burner. But as she’ll be the first to tell you, while some activities belong on that back burner, scheduling and following through on your mammograms isn’t one of them.

“Cancer may be out of our control but getting your annual screenings is totally within your control,” she said. “Even though I had to have two mastectomies and breast reconstruction over a two-year period, my breast cancer was caught before it metastasized. Early detection was instrumental in my survival.”