Toby Keith, the renowned country music singer and songwriter, passed away at the age of 62 on Monday. His battle with stomach cancer began in the fall of 2021.
According to Dr. Andrew Salner, the medical director at the Hartford Healthcare Cancer Institute at Hartford Hospital, stomach cancer manifests through various symptoms, such as weight loss, abdominal pain, nausea, heartburn, and early satiety, where one feels full quickly and can’t finish a meal.
The aggressive nature of stomach cancer underscores its severity.
Dr. Salner notes that the overall survival rate is approximately 36%, with a majority of patients being males in their late 60s.
Historically, stomach cancer was more prevalent in the United States during the early 20th century but has declined due to advancements like refrigeration. Previously, preservation methods involved smoking and salting meats.
Medical experts recommend maintaining a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, limiting alcohol and tobacco intake, and engaging in regular physical activity.
For individuals with a family history of stomach cancer, genetic testing is advisable.
If you notice any unusual symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly as there are treatment options available.
“There has been incredible advances just in the last few years in treatments of metastatic stomach and gastroesophageal junction cancer, including a number of new immunotherapies and other new targeted therapies,” said Dr. Kunz.