Australian DJ Matt James, 33, of Mashd N Kutcher reveals his cancer diagnosis in heartbreaking announcement
DJ Matt James, who is responsible for popular COVID dance track Get On The Beers, has been diagnosed with cancer.
The Mashd N Kutcher star, 33, shared a picture of himself lying on a hospital bed and revealed his plans to undergo chemotherapy.
Matt, who said he was shocked because he was “otherwise healthy,” has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma – a form of bone marrow cancer that makes bones weaker and increases the likelihood of fractures.
“Unfortunate news, I’ve been diagnosed with cancer,” he wrote in a lengthy message.
“Specifically multiple myeloma, which forms in blood cells in the bone marrow.”
DJ Matt James (pictured), who is responsible for popular COVID dance track Get On The Beers, has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma
He continued, “This was unexpected as I was otherwise healthy.” However, it has spread throughout my body and has resulted in multiple fractures in my arms, ribs and more.
“Over the next few months we will be tackling this from all angles as we face chemotherapy and full treatment.”
Matt, who founded Mashd N Kutcher in 2012, went on to say he “will be staying away from social media and touring,” but plans to continue working behind the scenes.
The Mashd N Kutcher star, 33, said the diagnosis was shocking as he was “otherwise healthy” but the disease had spread quickly and caused multiple broken bones
“Unfortunate news, I’ve been diagnosed with cancer,” he wrote in a lengthy message
The Brisbane entertainer said he will focus on writing and producing records, as well as “curating and programming the music and visuals for the live shows.”
“Musically, I’m going back to the roots of the project.” [MNK]. “If you enjoyed Sunshine or On My Mind you will love the next releases,” he wrote.
“In summary, the path ahead is challenging, but I am extremely fortunate to have a great support network of family, close friends and colleagues.”
Matt ended his tragic announcement with a message of hope, saying he feels “mentally strong” and plans to fight cancer with “everything I have”.
Matt ended his tragic announcement with a message of hope, saying he feels “mentally strong” and plans to fight cancer with “everything I have”.
Mashd N Kutcher debuted as a dance act and electronic band in 2014 with their debut single “Do It Now” which peaked at #33 on the ARIA chart.
However, they are best known for their 2020 release Get On The Beers, which remixed a press conference held by Victorian Prime Minister Daniel Andrews during the COVID-19 crisis.
Mashd N Kutcher are best known for their 2020 release Get On The Beers, which remixed a press conference held by Victorian Prime Minister Daniel Andrews (pictured) during the COVID-19 crisis
What is multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a cancer that begins to form in the bone marrow.
While plasma cells normally help the body fight infection, in people with multiple myeloma, the cells that live in the soft bone marrow develop rapidly and cause tumors in the hard bone marrow.
As this weakens the hard bone, it becomes difficult to develop good blood cells and platelets.
There is no cure for the rare form of blood cancer.
Multiple myeloma is the second most common cancer in the United States. About 30,000 African Americans are diagnosed with multiple myeloma each year. Inexplicably, blacks are twice as likely to contract the disease as whites.
Some medical experts believe that occupational exposure may play a role in causing the disease. Patients with jobs that expose people to petroleum, herbicides, heavy metals, and a variety of other things have a higher risk of developing blood cancer.
Most people with the disease are over the age of 45 (96 percent). Those over 65 make up 63 percent of the group.
Men are more likely to have multiple myeloma.
Those in the family who are affected are four times more at risk. People who are considered obese are also at higher risk.
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) has also been associated.
While MGUS – the development of an abnormal monoclonal protein produced by white blood cells – may be considered unproblematic, some have linked it to multiple myeloma.
Powerful cancer treatments like surgery, radiation therapy, stem cell transplants, and various drugs can help people with multiple myeloma live longer.
Complications can include anemia, kidney failure, dangerously high blood calcium levels, organ infections, and fractures or loss of movement.