The 48-year-old Scot revealed earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with cancer. He had not previously disclosed the type of cancer.
Sir Chris won six Olympic golds between 2004 and 2012 – the second highest total by any British Olympian behind Sir Jason Kenny’s tally of seven.
He retired from cycling in 2013 and in recent years has been a regular pundit and commentator as part of BBC Sport’s cycling coverage.
Sir Chris told the newspaper he has known for a year that his cancer is terminal.
Tumours were discovered to his shoulder, pelvis, hip, spine and rib.
Sir Chris told the newspaper: “As unnatural as it feels, this is nature.
“You know, we were all born and we all die, and this is just part of the process.
“You remind yourself, aren’t I lucky that there is medicine I can take that will fend this off for as long as possible.”
Sir Chris added: “Hand on heart, I’m pretty positive most of the time and I have genuine happiness. This is bigger than the Olympics. It’s bigger than anything. This is about appreciating life and finding joy.”
After the Sunday Times article was published, he posted a message on Instagram saying: “You may see in the news this weekend some articles about my health, so I just wanted to reassure you all that I’m feeling fit, strong and positive, and overwhelmed by all the love and support shown to my family and me. Onwards!”
There were many supportive comments and good wishes underneath the post, including from fellow former Olympic cyclist Mark Cavendish who called Sir Chris a “hero of a human being”.
Olympic athlete Dame Kelly Holmes also commented “sending love to you Chris” and the British Cycling account left an emoji showing two hands making a heart symbol.
Speaking on the Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Streeting added that Sir Chris was “not the only person” dealing with a terminal cancer diagnosis, so had “done the country such an enormous service” by being open and positive.
“That’s worth even more than the stack of Olympic gold that he’s built up over his career,” he continued.
Streeting was diagnosed with cancer in 2021, aged 38, and had an operation to remove a kidney as part of his treatment. He announced he was cancer free later that year.
