Understanding Stomach Cancer
- Beloved country singer Toby Keith, 60, recently announced that he was diagnosed with stomach cancer last year.
- Stomach cancer occurs when an abnormal growth of cells begins in the stomach and becomes cancerous.
- Keith has undergone chemotherapy, radiation and surgery to treat his stomach cancer. It’s unclear what stage his cancer had reached when he was diagnosed last year.
"Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer," Keith posted to Instagram on Sunday evening. "I've spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax."
Read MoreView this post on Instagram
According to the singer-songwriter's website, he's currently on tour, performing his new album the first he released in five years entitled Peso in My Pocket.
The Clinton, Okla., native is apparently on tour until the beginning of August, however, it's unclear how this news will impact the rest of his tour. No official announcement has been made about the upcoming shows.
Understanding Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer occurs when an abnormal growth of cells begins in the stomach and becomes cancerous.
Treatment options for this disease include surgery, medications, radiation and chemotherapy. Toby Keith has undergone chemotherapy, radiation and surgery to treat his stomach cancer. It’s unclear what stage his cancer had reached when he was diagnosed last year.
According to the American Cancer Society, there will be about 26,380 new cases of stomach cancer diagnosed in the United States this year (15,900 in men and 10,480 in women).
Stomach cancer typically affects older people, with the average age of diagnosis being 68. About six of every 10 people diagnosed with stomach cancer each year are 65 or older.
Symptoms of this disease include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Feeling bloated after eating
- Feeling full after eating small amounts of food
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Unintentional weight loss
- Vomiting
Related: When Stomach Cancer Runs in the Family: Mother and Son Share Their Cancer Prevention Story
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
