Actor Larry Hagman, best known for his role as J.R. Ewing on the hit series Dallas, has died following a battle with cancer. The 81 year old died from complication resulting from cancer Friday at a hospital in Texas. Hagman suffered from throat cancer and was being treated for the disease at the hospital at the time of his death. Several news outlets are reporting that he had stage IV throat cancer.
In the 90's, Hagman was diagnosed with liver cancer and cirrhosis. The actor underwent a liver transplant, which can significantly increase your risk of developing another type of cancer. The transplant itself does not increase the risk; the immunosuppressant drugs given to prevent organ rejection can double the risk, according to a study conducted in 2011.
Alcoholism was a disease that plagued the actor, which is a major risk factor for throat cancer. A long term smoking habit combined with moderate to severe alcohol use greatly increases the likelihood of developing throat cancer. Though no one can say for certain what caused Larry Hagman's throat cancer, it can be said that his history of smoking, alcohol consumption, and liver transplant certainly raised his risk.
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