After ‘Debilitating’ Stomach Cancer Battle, Is Singer, Toby Keith, 61, Preparing to Re-Enter Spotlight?

Last year, the event raised more than $1.3 million, according to Taste of Country, a country music news outlet.

This year, the event takes place in Norman, Oklahoma, and many are wondering if Keith will make an appearance after taking a step back from public life.

 

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Although the tournament is less than a month away, it's unclear how involved Keith, 61, will be in the event. The Toby Keith Foundation indicated in a press release that Keith will be involved in some capacity, saying he’s preparing for the event.

 

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Keith has made small appearances over the last several months. Last November he appeared in Lexington, Kentucky, for a surprise performance to the delight of many of his fans.

Lately, he's dedicated his social media channel to spotlighting his music-star friends and remembering special performances.

Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer in the fall of 2021. He hasn't said much about his stomach cancer journey or the impact it still has on him. The "Should've Been A Cowboy" singer's decision to keep his cancer journey more private is a decision many cancer warriors are faced with.

Remember, it's perfectly OK to share details of your cancer journey with who you choose whether that’s only with people close to you or no one at all.

Happy birthday to the red headed stranger himself, @WillieNelson! pic.twitter.com/NOfBZoBv1m

Toby Keith (@tobykeith) April 29, 2023

In his first interview after being diagnosed, Keith shared some details about his cancer journey. He said during a Country Music Television interview in late 2022, "I need a little bit of time to just rest up and heal up."

"I'm thinking about getting back to fighting shape…It's pretty debilitating to have to go through all that, but as long as everything stays hunky-dory, then we'll look at something good in the future," he added.

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Toby Keith (@tobykeith) June 12, 2022

The cancer warrior said he underwent six months of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

All his concerts were canceled last year while he continued his recovery.

Understanding Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer or gastric cancer, like what Toby Keith was diagnosed with happens when cancer cells begin in the inner lining of the stomach, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

The American Cancer Society estimates "about 26,500 new cases of stomach cancer" this year.

"Experts believe most stomach cancers start when something hurts the inside lining of the stomach," according to Mayo Clinic.

WATCH: Advice on how to handle a cancer diagnosis.

Stomach cancer is often treated depending on the cancer's location and if it has spread to other parts of your body. Typical treatment options include:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted drug therapy
• Palliative care (management of symptoms)

Risk Factors and Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

Some common symptoms of stomach cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic, include:

• Belly pain
• Feeling full after eating small amounts of food
• Feeling bloated after eating
• Trouble swallowing
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling fatigued
• Black stools

The American Cancer Society says stomach cancer risk factors may include:

• Gender, as men are more likely to develop the disease
• Age, as people are more likely to develop the disease in their 60s, 70s, and 80s
• Ethnicity, as people of color are more likely to get it than non-Hispanic white people
• Obesity
• A high-sodium diet
• Excessive alcohol and tobacco use
• Family history of stomach cancer

Cleveland Clinic recommends maintaining a healthy lifestyle to help prevent stomach cancer by doing the following:

• Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and low in salt and red meat
• Avoid smoking and tobacco
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Treating ulcers, gastritis, and infections promptly if these conditions arise

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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