Singer Celine Dion’s husband, Rene Angelil, passed away this week, after a 20-year battle with throat cancer. He died just two days shy of his 74th birthday and a month after their 21st wedding anniversary on 17th December. He is one of three high profile deaths this week – all from cancer.
The last year of Angelil’s life had become very difficult for him, with Dion revealing that he had to eat through a tube, as he could no longer swallow, and had increasing difficulty with his speech.
“He can’t use his mouth. He can’t eat so I feed him. He’s got a feeding tube. I have to feed him three times a day. I do this myself. So I feed my husband, then I feed my kids.”
In a statement posted to her official Facebook page this week, Dion said: “René Angélil, 73, passed away this morning at his home in Las Vegas after a long and courageous battle against cancer. The family requests that their privacy be respected at the moment; more details will be provided at a later time.”
The couple met when Celine Dion was only 12 years old and Rene Angelil, twice divorced and 26 years her senior, became her manager. Their relationship became romantic when Dion was 19 years old and they married in 1994. Angelil leaves behind three children from his marriage with Dion and three from his previous marriages.
What Is Throat Cancer?
Throat Cancer is any cancer that affects the voice box, vocal cords and other parts of the throat, such as the tonsils and the oropharynx. It can be grouped into two categories: pharyngeal cancer which starts in the pharynx and laryngeal cancer which starts in the larynx. It is relatively uncommon.
What Causes Throat Cancer?
There is a connection between HPV and throat cancer. There is also a link between esophageal, lung or bladder cancer and throat cancer.
Other risk factors include:
- Being male.
- Smoking.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Vitamin A deficiency.
- Exposure to asbestos.
- Poor dental hygiene.
Potential Signs of Throat Cancer:
Throat cancer can be difficult to detect in the early stages, however common signs can include:
- Hoarseness.
- Ear pain.
- Wheezing.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
- Persistent cough (may cough up blood)
- Sore throat.
- Weight loss.
- Trouble swallowing.
- A change in your voice.
Visit your doctor should any of these symptoms persist for an extended period of time.
Diagnosing Throat Cancer:
A laryngoscopy is performed to check for throat cancer. This procedure allows your doctor to examine your throat more closely and therefore make a more accurate diagnosis. It involves receiving a local anaesthetic, having a long flexible tube inserted down your throat, after which a light and mirror are used to more closely examine your quote. If this reveals abnormalities your doctor will take a sample to send for biopsy.