Country music fans around the world are mourning the loss of beloved country music star Toby Keith. The 62-year-old musician passed away after a courageous battle with stomach cancer, as announced on his social media and website. Keith’s family revealed that he passed away peacefully on February 5th, surrounded by loved ones.
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a type of cancer that originates in the cells lining the stomach. According to the American Cancer Society, stomach cancer accounts for approximately 1.5% of all new cancer cases diagnosed each year in the United States. In 2024, it is estimated that there will be around 26,890 new cases of stomach cancer and approximately 10,880 deaths from the disease.
Unlike other abdominal cancers, such as colon or liver cancer, stomach cancer presents with its own set of symptoms, outlooks, and treatment options. The Mayo Clinic lists several signs and symptoms of stomach cancer, including trouble swallowing, belly pain, indigestion, bloating after eating, heartburn, feeling full after small amounts of food, nausea, vomiting, unexpected weight loss, fatigue, and black stools. However, it’s important to note that these symptoms may not manifest until the cancer has advanced.
While the exact cause of stomach cancer remains unknown, there are several risk factors to be aware of. These include smoking and alcohol use, a diet high in salty, smoked, and processed foods or low in fruits and vegetables, being overweight or obese, genetics and family history, infections in the stomach (particularly Helicobacter pylori bacteria), problems with stomach acid, stomach polyps, and environmental and occupational exposures. It’s crucial to remember that having one or more risk factors does not guarantee the development of stomach cancer.
Treatment options for stomach cancer depend on the individual’s stage of cancer and other personal factors. They may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or targeted drug therapy. Toby Keith had been undergoing treatment for stomach cancer since the fall of 2021, as he announced in June 2022. He had undergone surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation in the prior six months.
Currently, there is no routine screening test for stomach cancer in individuals at average risk. However, those at higher risk may benefit from screening with upper endoscopy, a procedure that involves inserting a thin tube through the mouth to examine the digestive tract for abnormal tissue.
Toby Keith’s passing is a significant loss for the country music industry and his devoted fan base. His contributions to the genre will always be remembered, and his music will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come. As we mourn the loss of this talented musician, let us also raise awareness about stomach cancer and encourage regular check-ups and screenings to detect this disease early on.
