Austin, Texas ? To this day, Lance Armstrong insists cancer was the best thing that happened to him.

By beating the disease that spread from his testicles to his lungs and brain, Armstrong gained the courage and will to conquer the Tour de France, considered one of the most grueling events in all sports.

Armstrong went from having a 50 percent chance to live in 1996 to four straight Tour championships, earning worldwide praise and admiration from sports fans and other cancer survivors. On Thursday, he was named The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year.

Armstrong and Barry Bonds were the top two vote-getters for a second straight year, only this time the San Francisco Giants’ outfielder finished second. Armstrong received 45 first-place votes and 292 points from sports writers and broadcasters. Bonds had 31 first-place votes and 233 points. Tiger Woods, who won the award 1999 and 2000, finished third.

Armstrong’s comeback has given him the platform to lead public-awareness campaigns against cancer.

He started the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which funds cancer research, and fills his rare free time with hospital visits and fund-raising speeches.

Winning one Tour would have secured his place in cycling history. Capturing four in row put him among the greatest riders ever. A victory in 2003 — the 100th anniversary of the race — would tie the record of five. Spain’s Miguel Indurain (1991-95) is the only rider to win five in a row.