When triathlete Maria Lea De Jesus was diagnosed with early stage cervical cancer in 2014 after a routine Pap test, she feared being sidelined from her sport.

“I run -- a lot. I just can’t sit still,” says Lea, 49. She trains for endurance sports six days a week, year-round. Her accomplishments include completing over 10 marathons and two IRONMAN triathlons – a 2.4-mile swim, followed by a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run...