1000lb Sister star Katie Slaton - cousin of reality TV personalities Tammy and Amy Slaton - has died at the age of 37.
Katie featured on season five of the popular TLC show, following Tammy's stint in a weight loss rehab center. The TV series, which is now on its season seven, charts the sisters' emotional journeys as they shed pounds to lead a healthier lifestyle.
In a heartbreaking update, Katie was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer earlier this year. She underwent chemotherapy for gastric adenocarcinoma, which develops from the gland cells in the innermost lining of the stomach.
According to the American Cancer Society, between 90 and 95 percent of stomach cancers are adenocarcinomas. Each year, around 30,000 people in the US are diagnosed with stomach cancer, which makes up about 1.5 percent of all new cancer cases nationwide.
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Katie sadly died on Monday (August 25), as her cousin, Tammy and Amy's sister Amanda Halterman, took to Instagram to break the devastating news.
On Tuesday (August 26), Amanda posted a photo of her and Katie together and wrote, in part: "It is with a completely crushed heart and spirit that I have to post this. My little cousin went to sit at the feet of Jesus yesterday.
"She was a force to be reckoned with and showed love that was accepting and given freely. She was the life of the party and my best friend.”
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She continued: "Please pray for everyone who loves her. Thank you all who has come out and supported her. #cancerscks.”
What are the signs of stomach cancer?
According to Mayo Clinic, stomach cancer doesn't always cause symptoms in its early stages.
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In fact, they might not even present until the cancer is 'advanced.'
There are 12 signs of stomach cancer to be aware of, which include issues with appetite, digestion, and energy levels.
The symptoms to look out for are:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent indigestion (pain or discomfort in the stomach associated with difficulty digesting food)
- Persistent heartburn (a burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Bloating after meals
- Feeling full after eating only a small amount of food
- Loss of appetite (not feeling hungry when you normally would)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling very tired or weak
- Black or tar-like stools (a sign of internal bleeding)
If you have any concerns, speak to your doctor.
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If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.
Topics: 1000-Lb Sisters, TLC, Cancer, US News
Ellie Kemp