Mastodon bassist Troy Sanders has revealed that the band cancelled its summer European tour dates following news that his wife had been diagnosed with breast cancer in July.
The Atlanta band announced that the cancellation was “due to a personal family matter”, which Sanders is now sharing with fans.
“Although I generally keep to myself and am very private with my personal life, I recognize this as something bigger than me and needs to be shared,” posted the bassist on the group’s social media sites. “My wife Jeza was diagnosed with breast cancer in July of this year. She has already begun treatment and her prognosis is very, very good.
Early detection saved her life! It may save your life, too. Please encourage the ladies in your life to get screened today.”
Jeza also shared her personal experience and family history with the health issue alongside Troy’s update, saying that “Breast cancer runs in my family so I've been neurotically checking and re-checking since my early 30's (now 41). I have yearly mammograms like clockwork. This year was no exception.
“Nevertheless, it came as a complete shock when just a few short months later I felt a big, fat, weird mass. I immediately ran, clutching my boobs, to the nearest gynecologist who sent me for a diagnostic mammogram & ultrasound and was diagnosed shortly thereafter with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (&%#$@!!!).”
“Early detection is optimum,” she added, “although with all of the advances in science, even later detection can be highly treatable, which leads me to my initial reason for writing this: No matter how old or how young you are, always listen to your body and always pay attention to your intuition.
“Over 85% of women who get breast cancer do not have a family history and are taken by complete surprise. There is no rhyme or reason to these malignant cells, so in addition to yearly mammograms please do monthly self checks and if you ever notice anything unusual, have it looked at by your doctor. If for whatever reason they disregard it, get a second opinion. You are your only advocate and awareness is everything. Everything.”
For more information, visit nationalbreastcancer.org
Mastodon are currently on a North American tour with Judas Priest in support of 2014’s “Once More ‘Round The Sun.”
See also:
Mastodon join Judas Priest for fall North American tour
VIDEO: Mastodon go behind the scenes for Asleep In The Deep
Mastodon cancel summer tour dates
Mastodon premiere Asleep In The Deep video
Search Mastodon at hennemusic
