Bobby, known for like Little Woman and Julie, Do Ya Love Me, had revealed he had Stage 4 cancer earlier this year (Pic: Twitter/iStock)
American teen idol of the 60s and 70s Bobby Sherman, known for his winsome smile and fashionable shaggy mop top, died after battling late-stage kidney cancer, his wife said in a statement posted on social media. Bobby, known for bubblegum pop hits like Little Woman and Julie, Do Ya Love Me, had revealed he had Stage 4 cancer earlier this year.
The 81-year-old singer passed away peacefully at his Encino home, surrounded by loved ones, with Brigitte at his side.
What is kidney cancer?
Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma, is the abnormal growth of cells in your kidney tissue. According to experts, the cells in your kidney form a tumour in time and begin to change when something triggers in the cells – making them go out of control. Doctors say a cancerous or malignant tumour can spread to other tissues and vital organs. When this happens – it is known as metastasis.
Kidney cancer is most common among those between the ages of 65 and 74 years. Men are twice as likely as women to develop the disease. However, kidney cancer is less common in children. Still, 500 to 600 children are diagnosed with a Wilms tumour - a type of kidney cancer – every year in the United States.
Doctors say renal cell carcinoma usually develops as a single tumour in one kidney, but it can affect both kidneys as well. The cancer begins in the cells that line your kidneys' tubules – the tiny tubes that return nutrients and fluid back to your blood.
Early signs and symptoms of kidney cancer
According to experts, usually, kidney cancer may not produce any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. But as the tumour grows, symptoms begin to appear. And so, for that reason, mostly kidney cancer is not diagnosed until it has begun to spread. However, a few symptoms that you may notice early may include:
- Blood in your pee
- Feeling a lump or mass in your kidney area
-
Flank pain
- Tiredness and fatigue
- A general sense of not feeling well
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Low-grade fever
- Bone pain
- High blood pressure
-
Anemia
- High calcium
What causes kidney cancer?
While experts have not been able to identify the exact cause of kidney cancer, there are a few risk factors that may increase your chances of getting the disease. These include:
Smoking
Those who smoke are at greater risk for kidney cancer. In addition, the longer a person smokes, the higher the risk.
Obesity and being overweight
Obesity is a risk factor for kidney cancer. In general, the more overweight a person is, the higher the risk.
High blood pressure
Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure has been linked to an increased risk of kidney cancer.
Family history
Those who have family members with kidney cancer may have an increased risk of developing cancer themselves.
Radiation therapy
Women who have been treated with radiation for cancer of their reproductive organs may have a slightly increased risk of developing kidney cancer.
Long-term dialysis
If you have been undergoing dialysis for a long time, you may be prone to kidney cancer.
