Following Toby Keith’s Passing, Medical Experts Stress the Ease of Overlooking Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

^{Image Source: Toby Keith}

Country music icon Toby Keith passed away on Monday night at the age of 62, following a battle with stomach cancer that began over two years ago.

In June 2022, Keith disclosed his diagnosis, revealing that he had been undergoing treatment since fall 2021, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. He continued to update the public on his journey, sharing in June of the following year with The Oklahoman newspaper that his tumor had reduced in size by a third, and he was undergoing ongoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

How do we recognize stomach cancer?

His passing has reignited discussions around the importance of recognizing symptoms of stomach cancer, such as heartburn, acid reflux, anemia, nausea, ulcers, postprandial pain, sudden weight loss, or early satiety after eating small meals.

Dr. Fabian Johnston, division chief of gastrointestinal oncology at Johns Hopkins Medicine, emphasized the tendency to overlook seemingly benign symptoms like acid reflux, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and more advanced disease upon detection.

Impact of stomach cancer in the U.S.

Stomach cancer primarily affects individuals around the age of 68, with men facing slightly higher risks. Despite its rarity, with stomach cancer constituting approximately 1.5% of new cancer cases annually in the U.S., the American Cancer Society estimates nearly 27,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.

While overall stomach cancer rates have seen a slight decline over the past decade, there’s been an uptick in diagnoses among adults under 50, the reasons for which remain unclear.

Dr. Ben Schlechter, a gastrointestinal medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, noted shifts in contributors to stomach cancer, with alcohol and tobacco playing lesser roles compared to chronic acid reflux or Helicobacter pylori infections.

Exploring the Enigmatic Origins of Stomach Cancer

However, understanding why certain individuals with these conditions develop stomach cancer remains elusive. Schlechter emphasized that it’s largely a matter of chance for many patients.

Despite advancements in treatment, stomach cancer remains a formidable adversary, characterized by its aggressiveness and limited curative options. While surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy offer hope, they fall short of ensuring a cure, particularly in advanced cases.

Dr. Rutika Mehta, a medical oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center, highlighted efforts to personalize treatment by targeting specific proteins associated with stomach cancer, such as HER2.

Though outcomes for stomach cancer remain challenging, advancements in treatment have significantly improved prognosis compared to previous years, offering patients greater hope and potential for prolonged survival.