SIR Chris Hoy says he is "grateful for each day" after his terminal cancer diagnosis as he called for men to get prostate tests in their forties.
The Olympic cycling legend, just 48, said it is a "no-brainer" to offer testing to men below the current standard age of 50.
He is living with incurable cancer that spread from his prostate into his bones.
Sir Chris revealed a "little" pain in his shoulder and ribs was the only symptom before doctors' tragic discovery last year.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said on Tuesday the Government is now considering lowering the prostate testing age, currently 50.
Edinburgh-born Sir Chris, who won six Olympic gold medals in the velodrome, told the BBC it has been the toughest year of his life.
"Suddenly, it's almost like your life is flashing before your eyes."
There is no NHS screening programme for prostate cancer although it is the most common type of tumour in men, with 55,000 cases per year.
Men can request a blood test from their doctor once they are older than 50 or if they have possible cancer symptoms.
The charity Prostate Cancer UK called the policy "outdated".
Spokesperson Chiara De Biase said: "We're grateful to Sir Chris for bravely telling his story and welcome news that the Government is looking into testing men from the age of 45.
"Right now, you need to bring it up with a GP yourself and this is leading to too many men getting a late, incurable diagnosis.
"The system needs to change."
Sir Chris said: "If you've got family history of it like I have, if you're over the age of 45, go and ask your doctor.
"Catch it before you need to have any major treatment.
"To me it seems a no-brainer. Reduce the age, allow more men to just go in and get a blood test."
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: "He makes a powerful argument.
"I've asked the NHS to look at the case for lowering the screening age on prostate cancer."
Prostate cancer may have no symptoms or it might make you need to pee more but struggle to do so, or finding blood in your urine.
Sir Chris added: "My perspective on life has changed massively.