Support during a Cancer Battle
- Toby Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, in the fall of 2021. We don’t know the current status of his disease, but we do know he’s been supported by fans amid his battle.
- One of our experts says “studies have found consistently that loneliness is a significant risk factor for physical and mental illnesses and the trajectory of recovery” and “the act of sharing our time and words with others can alleviate emotional and physical pain.”
- Some people find the support they need via social media, some join support groups and others turn to family and friends. There is no one right way to seek support, but it's important to try. Cervical cancer survivor Tracy White previously spoke to SurvivorNet about finding support through work.
Keith, 61, was forced to take a big step back from his music career after the “Red Solo Cup” singer endured stomach cancer treatments last year. But that doesn’t mean he’s not still engaging with his fans.
Read MoreSupport Matters- Connecting During Cancer
More recently on Flag Day, Keith made another post that put his patriotism on full display.
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“Today’s the day we celebrate the stars and stripes…did you know that red, white, and blue were chosen for what they represent? Valor, purity, and justice respectively. #FlagDay,” a caption read under a photo of Keith performing with a guitar decorated like the American flag.
Again, fans were quick to share their love for Keith and support his message.
“God bless Toby for all he does for others and his patriotic passion. God blessed the world when he Created Toby,” one user commented.
Another wrote: “Love your music TK! Keep on keepin' on!”
Toby Keith’s Cancer Journey
Toby Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, in the fall of 2021. We do not know any specifics of his diagnosis, but we do know the most common type of stomach cancer is adenocarcinoma of the stomach which starts in the mucus-producing cells in the innermost lining of the stomach.
"Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer," Keith wrote on Instagram in June 2022. "I've spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax.
"I am looking forward to spending this time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can't wait."
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It's unclear if Keith is planning on any future tour dates or performances, but we do know how grateful he is for his fans standing by his side during such a trying time.
"Thank you for all your love and support," he wrote in another Instagram post. "I have the best fans in the world."
Keith hasn't shared too many updates about the status of his disease or his treatment path, but SurvivorNet is wishing him nothing but the best as he continues to navigate life as a cancer warrior.
Finding Support during a Cancer Battle
Feeling supported during a cancer battle is so important. And experts even say that avoiding loneliness can help in a clinical way.
"Studies have found consistently that loneliness is a significant risk factor for physical and mental illnesses and the trajectory of recovery," licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Marianna Strongin told SurvivorNet. “The act of sharing our time and words with others can alleviate emotional and physical pain.”
That's why she encourages people with cancer to surround themselves with people who care about them throughout treatment.
I Wanted to Be Me Again, But I Also Needed Their Help Finding That Support System
Some people find the support they need via social media, some join support groups and others turn to family and friends. There is no one right way to seek support, but it's important to try.
Cervical cancer survivor Tracy White found crucial support during her cancer battle through work. She was a fiercely independent marketing executive who enjoyed a fast-paced life prior to her diagnosis, but she realized she needed to slow down and accept help after cancer came into play.
Finding the Support You Need to Heal During Cancer Treatment
“My support group at work was astonishing,” she said. “The management team rallied around me, my team rallied around me, bosses rallied around Me.
“They even started a GoFundMe because they didn’t know what to do and they wanted to help. Having that kind of social support from every front of my life just made me feel loved, and supported, and really helped with the healing.”
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
