Reality TV personality Anna 'Chickadee' Cardwell, who starred in the show "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo," died on Sunday, according to an Instagram post shared by her mother, June Shannon.
“With a breaking heart, we are announcing that @annamarie35 is no longer with us,” the statement read, sharing, "She passed away in my home last night peacefully at 11:12 p.m.”
The 29-year-old was diagnosed with stage 4 adrenal cancer in January 2023 and "gave one heck of a fight for 10 months." Reportedly, Anna's cancer had spread to her liver, kidney, and lung, and she started chemotherapy in March.
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What Is Adrenal Cancer?
Adrenal cancer is a rare type of cancer, with a worldwide prevalence of 0.5 to 2 per 10 lakh people annually, according to StatsPearls Publishing.
It occurs in one or both of the tiny glands, also called adrenal glands, situated on top of your kidneys. The primary function of the glands is to produce hormones. The outer adrenal cortex produces steroid hormones such as cortisone and aldosterone, whereas the adrenal medulla, which is the inner part, makes epinephrine, also called adrenaline.
According to Cedars-Sinai, most adrenal cancers start in the outer part of the adrenal gland, also called adrenocortical adenoma. It occurs when cells in the adrenal glands start to grow uncontrollably, leading to the formation of a tumour.
Symptoms To Watch Out For
Some of the common symptoms of adrenal cancer include:
- Weight gain
- Hormone changes in women lead to excess hair growth on the face, chest, and back
- Hormone changes in men that might cause enlarged breast tissue and shrinking testicles
- Muscle weakness
- Pink or purple stretch marks
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal bloating
- Back pain
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of weight without trying
- High blood sugar levels
- High blood pressure
Who Is At Risk?
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), adrenal cancer can occur in anyone. However, it is more common in people with inherited syndromes such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, Carney complex, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Lynch syndrome, and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia-Type 1 (MEN 1).
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Understanding The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Adrenal Cancer
Adrenal cancer is difficult to detect early. However, in children, it can be found early as it is more likely to secrete hormones that lead to symptoms, according to the ACS.
Some of the tests that can help in timely detection include a CT scan or an MRI. You can also get blood and urine tests to measure levels of adrenal hormones. A doctor may also recommend other tests, such as laparoscopy and biopsy, which may give more definite results.
A person diagnosed with adrenal cancer can undergo chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery, depending on how far the disease has progressed. It is best to consult with a doctor to understand your best treatment plan.
Conclusion
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. While breast, lung, colon, and prostate cancers are some of the most common types of the disease, adrenal cancer is a rare type of cancer that can be potentially life-threatening. Early detection is key to receiving timely treatment and improving outcomes in adrenal cancer cases. Therefore, it is important to be aware of its symptoms, risk factors, and the diagnosis and treatment process.