DANVILLE, Pa. — Country music fans are mourning the death of Toby Keith, who died earlier this week at the age of 62. Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer, or gastric cancer in the fall of 2021. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 10,000 people die from gastric cancer each year. Symptoms of stomach cancer are similar to other digestive conditions.
According to Geisinger, most patients are diagnosed with gastric cancer at an advanced stage.
“The symptoms can range from nausea, vomiting, bloating, weight loss, difficulty in swallowing, blood in the stool, anemia," said Dr. Sorab Gupta.
Dr. Sorab Gupta is a Medical Oncologist at Geisinger. He says most people ignore the symptoms, which is why gastric cancer tends to be diagnosed late.
“Even if they have the symptoms, they'll think it's just bloating and nothing is going on. That's the reason most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. More than 50% are diagnosed at an advanced stage and they cannot be cured," said Dr. Gupta.
Symptoms typically do not show up in the early stages of the disease. But if you have symptoms, don't ignore them.
“If it's ranging for days, it's fine, but if it's ranging for weeks to months, it's time to talk to your family care doctor," suggests Dr. Gupta
Dr. Gupta says gastric cancer can be hereditary. It can also be caused by eating highly processed foods, drinking alcohol, smoking and obesity. Toby Keith's death is raising awareness for gastric cancer.
“I think a lot of reading is being done on gastric cancer, which I think will help prevent gastric cancer deaths in the future. More people will be aware of the symptoms and they will get screened early," said Dr. Gupta.
Dr. Gupta says eating healthy, working out and abstaining from drinking alcohol and smoking can go a long way in preventing gastric cancer.