- Cancer is one of the main causes of mortality in the world, causing almost 10 million deaths each year.
- In 2019, metal singer Dave Mustaine was diagnosed with throat cancer.
- After three years of treatment he achieved remission of the disease and for his new rock album he asked his oncologist for help to use the correct terminology about radiation and the two wrote a song.
The relationship between doctor and patient is essential to achieve the best possible results. Within the office it is necessary for both parties to work together, although in some cases the collaboration can be extended to other areas. A clear example can be seen with a doctor who not only saved the life of one of the biggest rock stars but also helped him to compose a song.
A health problem of great proportions
The first thing is to talk about cancer, one of the oldest diseases in history and which has seen an exponential increase in recent decades. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) it is the disease responsible for almost 10 million deaths each year.
Although in the past it was believed that it was an exclusive problem of older adults, in reality this is not the case. It is now known that anyone can develop tumors at any time, although there are some risk factors that increase the probability.
About one-third of cancer deaths are due to tobacco use, a high body mass index, alcohol consumption, a low intake of fruits and vegetables and a lack of physical activity.
Another point to be aware of is that tumors can develop anywhere in the body. Although currently the most common types are those of breast, lung, colon and rectum and prostate.
Similarly, for this disease there are no distinctions such as socioeconomic levels. Everyone is at risk and within the musical field there was one that was released a few years ago and immediately gained notoriety.
In this case we refer to Dave Mustaine, who since the early eighties began his career in the world of metal. He became known because he was one of the founders of Metallica and then created Megadetha band with which he remains active today.
Doctor saves patient’s life and helps him write a rock song
In June 2019, he was diagnosed with throat cancer and immediately had to start medical treatment. After three years, he confirmed the remission of the disease, although in any case he is still under observation to avoid relapses.
As a result of the above, he decided to resume his musical life and compose the new album for his band. It is at this point that the doctor who treated him because in addition to saving his life he also helped him write the lyrics to a rock song.
The specialist who did this feat is the Dr. Anthony J. Cmelakwho works in the Vanderbilt University Medical Center as an oncologist. It all started when Mustaine had the idea to do a song about the dogs that were abandoned by their owners during the Chernobyl nuclear accident in 1986.
For the above, the musician needed help with the terminology about radiation and loneliness. Therefore, his idea was to consult his oncologist and ask for advice to use the right words.
The end result was the song “Dogs Of Chernobyl” from the album The Sick, the Dying…and the Dead! that the metal band just released. Now the music not only stands out for the “heavy” sound that has always distinguished Megadeth, but also because the lyrics had the advice of a doctor to be as realistic as possible and we share them below so you can listen to them.
Also read:
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Head and Neck Cancer: Symptoms and risk factors
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