Liver Cancer and Joe Frazier

You may have heard in the news today....boxing great Joe Frazier died, only one month after being diagnosed with Liver Cancer.  I am posting this because of the "Why Treat" question, that is always on our minds. And since Hep C can lead to liver cancer (as stated in the article), this gives us another reason to try to be free of it.  Please read this when you have a moment.

http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/what-caused-joe-fraziers-liver-cancer

Here is a partial cut and paste:

Former heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier has lost his biggest fight—against liver cancer. Renowned for being the first to beat Muhammad Ali in the 1971 “Fight of the Century,” with a left hook seen around the world, Smokin’ Joe is also remembered for the dramatic rematch with his legendary rival, the 1975 Thrilla in Manila. The sports world was stunned to learn of the Olympic gold medalist and Hall of Famer’s death Monday at age 67—just one month after his diagnosis.

Who gets liver cancer?
The disease is about twice as common in men as women, with the highest rates among Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and African Americans, followed by Native Americans and Latinos. The disease typically strikes people in their 60s, like Frazier.

What are the risk factors?
In the U.S., the #1 risk factor is infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Frazier’s family hasn’t announced if he had HCV, a chronic disease that affects more than 4 million Americans. If he did have hepatitis C, there are several ways he could have caught it. The disease is usually spread through exposure to the blood of an infected person, which could have occurred during a boxing match, since the brutal sport frequently causes blood loss.

What are the symptoms?
The main reason why liver cancer has such a poor prognosis is that it doesn’t have specific warning signs.

[HectorSF]

Thanks for your post.

It is very sad that liver cancer has stuck down such a once mighty man as Joe Frazier. I also remember in the 90s when one on the heroes from my youth also died of liver cancer, Mickey Mantle. Other victims of liver cancer were some of music's greatests Ray Charles and John Coltrane.

I am sure most of you have read, and are probably sick of hearing me warning about cirrhosis and its complications. HCC being one for cirrhotics who's liver disease is caused by hepatitis C.

If you have cirrhosis (even compensated cirrhosis) you really need to make sure that you have scans every six months to look for HCC.  As with many cancers, if you catch it early it can be treated, but if it remains undiagnosed and progresses to where there are many tumors or it spreading outside your liver than your prognosis will become dire.

I can only hope that Joe's death can make people more aware of this deadly disease and take preventative actions such as treating their hepatitis C and alcoholism before they develop cirrhosis and liver cancer (HCC).

RIP Joe.
Hector

[screaming48]

I saw that last night, and I wondered if hep c had something to do with it since he was a boxer and a lot of blood was spread back then. I feel for his family...

[James10500]

I too wondered

[Jillybean65]

My dad is dying of liver cancer as I treat myself.  Probably won't make it to thanksgiving. He doesn't have hep c but the message is still loud, clear, and the most painful thing I have ever endured... :0(

[HectorSF]

Thanks for your post.

It is very sad that liver cancer has stuck down such a once mighty man as Joe Frazier. I also remember in the 90s when one on the heroes from my youth also died of liver cancer, Mickey Mantle. Other victims of liver cancer were some of music's greatests Ray Charles and John Coltrane.

I am sure most of you have read, and are probably sick of hearing me warning about cirrhosis and its complications. HCC being one for cirrhotics who's liver disease is caused by hepatitis C.

If you have cirrhosis (even compensated cirrhosis) you really need to make sure that you have scans every six months to look for HCC.  As with many cancers, if you catch it early it can be treated, but if it remains undiagnosed and progresses to where there are many tumors or it spreading outside your liver than your prognosis will become dire.

I can only hope that Joe's death can make people more aware of this deadly disease and take preventative actions such as treating their hepatitis C and alcoholism before they develop cirrhosis and liver cancer (HCC).

RIP Joe.
Hector

[halbev]

I heard on the radio just yesterday, that he had went home on hospice.
I did not think it would be long, but this is very quick.
May the power that be bless his soul.

Jillybean65 My prayers are with you,it must be very hard on you. Take care of yourself, see to your needs.
DAD is very lucky to have you there.

[beeblessed]

Thank you for your comments everyone!

Thanks Hector --  I have never had the education on the liver, that I am getting in this forum.  It has greatly increased my awareness, so when I saw this story, it actually means more now than......oh some stranger passed away.  It hit me more as.....Oooooo......that is the path Hep C put me on (so to speak), and look how quickly it took Joe.

Jilly -- My prayers go out to you and yours.  Get healthy in your Dad's honor.  Think of things that have made you thankful for him over the years, write them down and read them to him, now.Take a photo of your hand in his.

Blessings to all of us, as we continue the fight and raise awareness of this hidden dragon.

[Vannh9]

Bee- Thanks for posting this tribute to a legend!

Hector..I agree with Bee that I so respect your knowledge and am glad that you are on this site to share so openly.

Jilly- I lost my Dad to Liver Cancer and can certainly relate to your journey....I am so sorry that you have to deal with so much all at once. I will be sending healing energy to you and your Dad~


Vann

[frijole]

vannh9, I am so sorry for you loss   and Jilly, my sympathies for what must be a very difficult time.

I had not had an ultrasound for 3 years -- until my new biopsy showed compensated cirrhosis.  I had one this summer and will be getting one every 6 months, just like Hector advised.  We must not ignore this.
frijole

[Advocate1955]

My husband is also on a 6 month schedule, more frequently now that he is on triple therapy treatment of course.  His liver specialist sees him every 6 months, does bloodwork, and sends him for an ultrasound.  Since he does have a benign cyst on the liver, she said that if she can't see enough with the ultrasound every 6 months, she will send him for a CT scan.  She is very good.  The Gastro that he was seeing after he was first diagnosed treated him on SOC in 2007, he was a partial responder, she told him to come back in 3 years for a recheck on the liver.  By that time he had progressed from F 1-2 to beginning Cirrhosis.  She didn't read his file before the appointment and said she recommended SOC.  We asked why, since it didn't work the first time, and she said, "Oh, you have already treated with SOC?"  We were so upset that we asked for a referral to the Medical Services and Transplant Center at the University of Washington and got in with a liver specialist.  Now we are in better hands.  Any of you who may be being treated by a Gastro may want to take note of our story.
Advocate 1955

[beeblessed]

I apologize for being behind in checking for more answers.  So sorry to hear what your husband has been through.  I am so glad you are in better hands now.  That is upsetting when you walk in and they treat you like a number, and haven't even bothered to take a few minutes to read the chart.  Everybody's busy but if they are THAT busy, it's best to move on.  Our health goals are more important.

Best to you and your husband

[paen53]

I wondered too about HCV and Frazier's liver cancer. I work in a funeral home and wonder with every person that comes in with a cause of death of HCC or a GI bleed if HCV was undiagnosed. But it keeps me on my toes for my 6 month imaging and labs with my cirrhosis. Next one is tomorrow morning.......