After a long battle with stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, the ‘Should’ve Been a Cowboy’ singer, Toby Keith, has died, according to a statement posted on the country artist’s website.
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Keith announced his diagnosis back in 2022. According to MD Anderson’s website, this form of cancer is rare and dangerous because it is often mistaken for a less serious problem.
They say symptoms might feel like heartburn or indigestion and it is often not discovered until it has progressed to advanced stages.
Forms of stomach cancer
- Adenocarcinoma- The most common form and starts in gland cells.
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors- This form of cancer mostly affects cells in the stomach or small intestine.
- Carcinoid tumors- This form of cancer affects the hormone-producing cells inside the stomach.
Statistics
According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 60% of these diagnoses will be for people ages 65 or older. The five-year survival rate for the disease is 32%.
Cause
Experts don’t know what causes stomach cancer but they say certain factors increase the risk.
According to the National Cancer Institute, most people who are diagnosed with the disease are men and people older than 55.
Risk factors
MD Anderson’s website says people who are at risk are people who are infected with a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, people who are exposed to certain chemicals, people who are obese, smokers, people who drink excessively, eating foods that haven’t been stored correctly, and people with certain underlying medical conditions, and family history.
MD Anderson says not everyone with risk factors gets this cancer but if you do have the risks, you should discuss them with a doctor.
While not too much has been shared about Keith’s diagnosis, he did have a foundation for pediatric patients to support children battling cancer.