Sig Hansen Shares Update on Wife June’s Health After Cancer Diagnosis

Sig Hansen, the seasoned captain of the F/V Northwestern and a central figure on Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch, has faced his share of personal and professional storms. Known for navigating treacherous Bering Sea waters, Hansen has also confronted significant health challenges, both his own and those of his wife, June Hansen. In recent years, the spotlight has turned to June’s battle with cancer, first revealed in 2019, and Sig’s own heart-related issues, which have tested the couple’s resilience. Ahead of the 21st season of Deadliest Catch in August 2025, Sig provided a heartfelt update on June’s health, offering fans reassurance and insight into their enduring partnership.

Sig Hansen’s own health struggles have been well-documented on Deadliest Catch. In 2016, he suffered a heart attack while at sea, a harrowing moment captured on the show. Two years later, in 2018, he experienced what he described as a “slight heart attack” triggered by a severe allergic reaction to an antibiotic. The incident occurred while driving, with his throat swelling and his body reacting violently, forcing June to call 911 as he sped to the emergency room. Reflecting on the ordeal, Sig told Entertainment Weekly, “The nurse said I probably had less than 10 minutes.” These brushes with mortality underscored the physical toll of his demanding career and set the stage for the couple’s next challenge: June’s cancer diagnosis.

In 2019, during Season 15 of Deadliest Catch, Sig shared devastating news with viewers. “It sounds like my wife has a form of cancer,” he said, revealing that a cancerous area had been identified on June’s neck. At the time, the uncertainty was palpable, as he added, “We do know that this area on her neck is cancer, we just don’t know if there’s more.” The diagnosis came as a shock, not only to Sig but also to fans who had come to admire the Hansen family’s strength. Despite the gravity of the situation, June displayed remarkable resilience, appearing alongside Sig at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards shortly after the diagnosis was made public. Her presence on the red carpet, standing firmly by her husband’s side, spoke volumes about her determination to face the illness head-on.

In August 2025, Sig provided a much-anticipated update on June’s health during an interview with Parade to promote the new season of Deadliest Catch. He shared the encouraging news that June is now “solvent,” explaining, “She did have potential cancer, but we got through that.” The term “solvent” in this context suggests that June has overcome the immediate threat of the disease, a testament to early detection and effective treatment. A 2019 report by Country Living noted that a Discovery representative confirmed June’s condition had improved, thanks to the cancer being caught in its early stages. This early intervention allowed doctors to act swiftly, and June’s recovery has since been a source of relief for the Hansen family and their supporters.

June’s commitment to her health has become a cornerstone of her recovery. Sig revealed that she is now “very cautious of her health” and has embraced a daily exercise routine. Her favorite activity? Swimming in the couple’s pool at their Seattle home, though Sig noted with a chuckle that Seattle’s rainy weather often complicates her plans. “I try to keep up with her. She’d beat me every time!” he told Parade, highlighting June’s strength and competitive spirit. This focus on fitness reflects a broader shift for the couple, who have both faced significant health scares and are now prioritizing wellness and time together.

The Hansens’ journey through these medical challenges has prompted Sig to reflect on his career and personal life. After decades at sea, often spending six to ten months a year away from home in his younger days, Sig is contemplating slowing down. “She’s tougher than she looks, and she is very supportive,” he said of June, acknowledging the sacrifices she has made throughout their marriage of over 20 years. “But at the end of the day, I want to spend more time with her. I feel like she’s given so much to me.” This sentiment was echoed in an interview with People, where Sig expressed a desire to step back from the grueling demands of crab fishing to focus on family. “Maybe that’s just old age,” he mused, “but I feel like I owe her so much, and I don’t know how to repay her.”

Beyond their health struggles, Sig and June have built a strong family foundation. They are parents to two adopted daughters, Mandy and Nina Hansen, who have given them four grandchildren. Mandy, in particular, has followed in her father’s footsteps, taking on a leadership role as a captain-in-training on Deadliest Catch: The Viking Returns. Sig has expressed pride in her accomplishments, noting in an Entertainment Weekly interview that watching her command her own vessel was a highlight of his career. However, Sig’s family life has not been without complications. He has a daughter, Melissa Eckstrom, from his first marriage to Lisa Eckstrom. Their relationship has been strained, with Melissa accusing Sig of childhood sexual abuse, as reported by The Seattle Times. No criminal charges were filed, and Sig denied the allegations. A civil case was pursued in 2018, but its outcome remains undisclosed.

The Hansens’ story is one of resilience, both on the high seas and in their personal lives. June’s recovery from cancer, coupled with Sig’s survival of two heart attacks, has strengthened their bond and shifted their priorities. Their home in Seattle, along with a property in Norway where they run an events center, serves as a base for their family life and occasional retreats to reconnect with Sig’s Norwegian roots. As Deadliest Catch continues to captivate audiences, with Season 21 airing Fridays at 8/7c on Discovery Channel, fans are heartened by June’s recovery and the couple’s commitment to each other. Sig’s reflections on his debt to June and his desire to repay her underscore the depth of their partnership, forged through years of challenges and triumphs.