Victor Davis Hanson Relieved After Avoiding Feared Chemotherapy Treatment

The Hoover Institution senior fellow shared he did not need the potentially life-threatening treatment after a recent surgery.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Victor Davis Hanson, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, disclosed that he did not require chemotherapy treatment following a recent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. Hanson had feared the chemotherapy would be fatal due to complications from the surgery, including significant blood loss and dizziness. He expressed relief after a test came back negative, indicating he would not need the treatment in the near term.

Why it matters

Hanson's experience highlights the difficult decisions and anxieties cancer patients often face when weighing treatment options, especially when the treatments themselves pose serious health risks. His story also provides insight into the challenges of recovering from major surgery and the uncertainty that can come with that process.

The details

Hanson underwent surgery on Dec. 30 to remove a cancerous tumor, during which he experienced complications including significant blood loss that required multiple transfusions. He shared on the 'Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words' show that a recent test came back negative, meaning he would not need chemotherapy in the near term - a treatment he said he did not believe he would have survived due to his weakened condition following the surgery.

  • Hanson underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor on Dec. 30, 2025.
  • On Feb. 12, 2026, Hanson expressed frustration with his recovery, saying he was 'too wobbly' and unable to drive.
  • On Feb. 24, 2026, Hanson disclosed that a recent test came back negative, indicating he would not need chemotherapy.

The players

Victor Davis Hanson

A senior fellow at the Hoover Institution who recently underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor and was relieved to learn he would not require potentially life-threatening chemotherapy treatment.

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What they’re saying

“The test became existential, because it determined your entire post-op treatment. Either you're going to have chemo or you're not. And then if it's positive you don't have a good prognosis. If it's negative, you got a much better chance.”

— Victor Davis Hanson (Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words)

“Between you and me, I don't think I would have made it, because, you know, I've still got a heart problem from the blood loss and the transfusions. And I'm pretty dizzy. And you never know. I am getting better.”

— Victor Davis Hanson (Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words)

What’s next

Hanson continues to recover from the surgery and is working to regain his strength and mobility, with the goal of returning to work full-time.

The takeaway

Hanson's experience underscores the difficult decisions and health risks cancer patients often face when weighing treatment options, as well as the challenges of recovering from major surgery. His story provides a personal perspective on navigating these complex medical situations.