When was Toby Keith diagnosed with stomach cancer? What to know about the icon's health

Toby Keith, an Oklahoma native and a legend in country music, died on Monday at the age of 62 following a battle with stomach cancer.

Keith worked in the oil industry after graduating from Moore High School. He began playing his music here in Oklahoma before heading to Nashville, Tennessee where his career blossomed, with songs like "Should've Been a Cowboy," “How Do You Like Me Now?!” and “Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue (The Angry American)."

He eventually returned to his home state, being based in Norman for a number of years.

"More so than anything, I'm just proud to be an Oklahoman. Everywhere I go … I hear people say, ‘You know, you're the face of the Sooner nation.' Or if I go overseas, or if I go into other states, people will wave an Oklahoma flag or a Sooner flag,” Keith told The Oklahoman in a 2007 interview.

Timeline: A look at Toby Keith's storied life from Oklahoma oil fields to climbing charts

How long did Toby Keith have stomach cancer for?

In June of 2022, Keith revealed he was diagnosed with stomach cancer a year earlier.

"Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I’ve spent the last six months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax," Keith posted on his official social media accounts.

While he took some time off, Keith also continued to remain optimistic. In an exclusive interview with The Oklahoman last year, he said he was continuing with chemo, that his tumor has shrunk by a third, and his blood tests had looked good.

"Basically, everything is in a real positive trend. You never know with cancer, so you have to prepare."

More: Social media reacts to news of Toby Keith's death: 'America lost a legend today'

One of Toby Keith's later songs, 'Don't Let the Old Man In,' performed for others fighting cancer

One of Toby Keith's last major performances was singing the song ""Don't Let the Old Man In" at the People's Choice County Music Awards last September.

The performer noted that he chose the song to inspire anyone watching or sharing his cancer fight. The song addresses living life to the fullest and was originally written for the 2018 Clint Eastwood movie, "The Mule."

What are the signs of stomach cancer and is it more common in men than woman?

The early stages of stomach cancer rarely cause symptoms, according to the American Cancer Society. In the U.S., where screenings for stomach cancer aren't routine, they usually aren't found until they've grown fairly large or have spread outside the stomach.

Most of these symptoms, the organization cautions, can be caused by things that aren't stomach cancer, such as ulcers or other viral infections. If the symptoms persist or get worse, it's recommended you see a doctor for possible treatment.

The warning signs of stomach cancer include the following symptoms:

• Poor appetite

• Unexplained weight loss

• Abdominal pain

• Vague discomfort in the abdomen, usually above the navel

• Feeling full after a small meal

• Heartburn or indigestion

• Nausea

• Vomiting, with or without blood

• Swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen

• Blood in the stool

• Feeling tired or weak, especially as a result of anemia

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes if stomach cancer spreads to the liver

The lifetime risk of developing stomach cancer is higher in men than woman. The ACS estimates for stomach cancer in the U.S. for 2024 are:

• About 26,890 new cases of stomach cancer (16,160 in men and 10,730 in women)

• About 10,880 deaths from this type of cancer (6,490 men and 4,390 women)

John Tufts contributed to this story

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Toby Keith stomach cancer: When was he diagnosed?