Former England manager and football legend Kevin Keegan died yesterday at the age of 75 after a short battle with stomach cancer.
Keegan, who played for Liverpool and Newcastle United, initially revealed he had been diagnosed with the disease in January. His cancer was detected after he underwent medical tests for stomach issues following a car accident.
When revealing his initial diagnosis, Keegan's family said he had been admitted to the hospital for "further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms."
The two-time Ballon d'Or winner explained earlier this year how the crash led to his diagnosis. "I was in a car accident and, through that, I had to have an operation," Keegan said. "Whilst having the scan for the operation, they found out I had cancer."
Accidents and cancer diagnosis
Some experts say people who have been involved in a crash are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than people who have not. The potential reasons for this are varied.
One theory is that those who drive more often may have lifestyle factors associated with a higher cancer risk. This includes spending long periods sitting and being more likely to be overweight.
Drivers may also have greater exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun during long periods behind the wheel, which can be linked to certain types of cancer.
However, many experts believe the more likely explanation is that people injured in crashes are subjected to extensive medical investigations. This increases the chances of an existing cancer being detected.
People involved in serious collisions often undergo detailed examinations, such as CT or MRI scans, which check for internal injuries. It is during these scans that previously undetected problems such as tumours can show up, like in Keegan's case.
In other words, people involved in car crashes, or any accident involving injuries, are not necessarily more likely to develop cancer, but they may be more likely to have an existing cancer diagnosed.
Stage four progression
Stomach cancer is often slow-growing and can take years to develop. However, Keegan revealed that his disease had progressed to stage four in June, meaning it had spread to other parts of the body.
Stage four stomach cancer is the most advanced stage of the disease and is more difficult to treat.
At the time, Keegan said he was assured he would be seen by "a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got, which is stage-four cancer."
"He was a Liverpool supporter so I went to meet him," Keegan added. "I knew I wouldn't be walking alone, if you know what I mean."
It carries a bleak prognosis, as just 20 per cent of patients at this stage live longer than a year.
His death was announced by his family yesterday. "It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75," they said in a statement.
"The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments."
"Kevin was a much loved husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin's incredible medical team for all their support. This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy."
Stomach cancer causes and symptoms
Stomach cancer affects 6,800 people in Britain each year and kills nearly 4,000. Research shows the disease is twice as common in men as it is in women.
Typically, those with the disease will show symptoms such as persistent heartburn or acid reflux, difficulty swallowing, nausea, indigestion and feeling full after eating a small amount of food.
Patients with suspected stomach cancer are typically referred for an upper endoscopy, also known as a gastroscopy. During this procedure, a tube fitted with a camera is passed down the throat into the stomach to check for signs of the disease.
According to previous studies, stomach cancer is often caused by a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, which is responsible for around 40 per cent of cases in the UK.
The bug spreads through contaminated food and water, and can often trigger uncomfortable symptoms like indigestion and stomach ulcers. However, many experience no symptoms.
In some cases, Helicobacter pylori remains in the stomach for months. For others, it can stay there for years or even decades. Other causes of stomach cancer include smoking, heavy alcohol consumption and poor diet.
