- According to a report, Anna, 28, was diagnosed in January
- She initially complained of abdominal pain before the tests were done
Mama June’s daughter, Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell, has been diagnosed with cancer, according to a report.
Anna, 28, was diagnosed with stage 4 adrenal cancer of the liver, kidney and lungs in January, family sources told TMZ.
Adrenocortical carcinoma, also known as adrenocortical cancer, is a rare disease that affects an estimated 200 Americans each year, according to the American Cancer Society.
Anna, who has daughters Kaitlyn, 10, and Kylee, 7, with ex-husband Michael Cardwell, initially complained of a range of ailments, including abdominal pain, before several tests were carried out.
She had her first round of chemotherapy last month and has already lost her hair as a result, the family sources said.
Anna, 28, was diagnosed with stage 4 adrenal cancer of the liver, kidney and lungs in January, family sources said
Doctors are waiting to see how the treatment affects her before making any further decisions, but her family is “very hopeful” that she will overcome the disease.
The family sources said they are teaming up to look after Anna and her two children, along with Anna’s boyfriend Eldridge, who is also showing his support.
The average age of patients with adrenal cancer is about 46 years, but adrenal cancer can occur in people of any age, even children, according to the American Cancer Society
Adrenal cortical carcinomas begin in the outer layer of the adrenal glands, which lie next to the kidneys. The adrenal glands are small glands that produce hormones.
Most growths that form in the adrenal glands are benign.
Anna Cardwell is pictured drinking with her family. Family sources said they joined forces to look after Anna and her two children, 10-year-old Kaitlyn and 7-year-old Kylee
The family rose to fame thanks to Mama June: From Not to Hot in the hit reality TV series that airs on We TV.
The show premiered on February 24, 2017 as a spin-off of the hit TLC reality series Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.
The show focuses on June ‘Mama June’ Shannon’s weight loss transformation.
Shannon married her boyfriend of six months, Justin Stroud, on March 23, 2022 in a Georgia courthouse.
Almost a year later, she and Stroud wed for the second time on February 18, 2023, in an “intimate seaside ceremony.”
Shannon’s four daughters were all present for the special occasion.
WHAT IS A SIDE CARCINOMA?
Adrenal carcinoma is a “very rare” cancer that starts in the outer layer of the adrenal glands.
The adrenal glands produce hormones and are located above the kidneys.
Adrenal cancer can cause too many of these hormones to be produced, leading to symptoms.
For example, too much cortisol can affect the body’s blood sugar levels.
And excessive amounts of aldosterone can disrupt water and salt levels, as well as blood pressure.
The cause of adrenal carcinoma is often unclear. Some people are born with a genetic mutation that puts them at risk.
Symptoms can include:
- Elevated blood pressure
- thirst
- More frequent urination
- muscle cramps
- Weight gain, especially in the abdomen
- muscle wasting of the limbs
- Accumulation of fat at the base of the neck
- swelling of the face
- Mild diabetes
- Abnormal hair growth on the face, arms and upper back
Treatment depends on the size of the tumor and whether it has spread.
Adrenal carcinoma often grows rapidly and is diagnosed at a late stage, making treatment difficult.
However, it may involve surgery to remove the affected gland, as well as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Source: Cancer Research UK