Though DJ Casper was a disc jockey, musician, and songwriter, he was most widely known for his hit song, ‘Cha Cha Slide’. He created the song in 1998 for his nephew as a fitness tool but it became so popular that it was picked up by M.O.B. Records and eventually by Universal Records. He even released a part 2 to it in 2000.
In 2016, he announced that he had been diagnosed with kidney and liver cancer. After an unsuccessful surgery, his doctors prescribed chemotherapy to help. For a few years, he stated that he was in remission and had “beat his kidney and liver cancers”. However, in 2023, the cancer returned - leading to his death on August 7th.
What Is Liver Cancer?
In liver cancer, abnormal cells have multiplied to form tumors that impede the organ’s function. In most cases, the malignant cells originate in the liver and this is called primary liver cancer. When the abnormal cells migrate from another organ, this is known as secondary liver cancer.
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Though over 40,000 people have been diagnosed with liver cancer since the beginning of 2023, there are many risk factors that can lead to the development of this disease. These factors include heavy alcohol use, smoking, contracting Hepatitis B or C, and having cirrhosis of the liver.
Additionally, Black men are 60 percent more likely to develop liver cancer than other ethnicities of the same gender.
Some of the symptoms you can experience with liver cancer include jaundice, nausea, vomiting, a loss of appetite, swelling in the stomach, chronic fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
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How The Condition Is Diagnosed
A diagnosis of liver cancer begins with a thorough physical exam as well as questions about your medical history. There are different tests that your doctor may use to confirm if you have liver cancer. These include blood tests, liver function tests, an ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI. Sometimes, your doctor may request a liver biopsy so they can assess the state of your liver.
Once you have a diagnosis, it’s common for doctors to use the test results to determine the stage of your liver cancer. These stages are numbered from one to four and indicate how severely your liver has been affected by the tumors, the size of those tumors, as well as if the abnormal cells have spread. This information will be vital to your treatment regimen.
How Liver Cancer Is Treated
Your treatment program will depend on the stage of your liver cancer. In the earlier stages, your doctor may suggest surgery to remove the tumor. If there’s no evidence that the abnormal cells have spread but your liver function is compromised, you may be able to get a liver transplant. However, there are specific criteria that you would need to satisfy to qualify for a donated liver.
For those who have higher stages of liver cancer, there are other treatment options to explore. These treatments are designed to fight widespread cancer cells.
Sometimes, doctors recommend them to shrink tumors before surgery so that you increase your odds of successfully removing all of the tumor. Some of the choices include immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy, and radiofrequency ablation.
It’s important to note that these treatments can have significant side effects so you need to discuss their management with your doctor. If you need continuous attention, your doctor may also suggest palliative care while you’re undergoing treatment.
According to the American Cancer Society, tens of thousands of people have already been diagnosed with liver cancer in 2023. Though there are some fatalities, the disease can be treated effectively if you’re diagnosed early. To keep on top of your health, it’s a good idea to see your doctor immediately if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above.
