‘Here Comes The Rain’ Singer Raul Malo, 58, Shares Cancer Diagnosis; His ‘The Mavericks’ Will Continue Performing During Treatment

“Part of the health journey is to get yourself checked out. Go to a doctor, take a physical,” Malo urged in the social media video.

“The Mavericks” has been around since the ‘90s, producing hits like “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down,” “Here Comes the  Rain,” and “Born to Be Blue.” The Grammy-winning band recently released a new album titled “Moon and Stars.”

While undergoing a colonoscopy, which screens for colon cancer, doctors discovered Malo had “two cancerous spots,” which prompted further testing. The singer then learned he had colon cancer.

“One of the reasons I’m telling you all this is that some of the shows may be affected this year as we navigate this situation and see how the therapy goes,” Malo explained.

 

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Despite planned treatment, Malo intends to continue performing alongside his bandmates when he can. He added, “Most people continue working and doing their daily activities.” True, some cancer patients can continue working and carrying out their normal day-to-day activities amid treatment. However, that is not the case for everyone.

Malo ended his video by encouraging fans to be proactive towards their health.

Understanding Raul’s Diagnosis

Colon or colorectal cancer affects your large intestine (colon) or the end of your intestine (rectum).

The cancer starts when abnormal lumps called polyps grow in the colon or rectum. If you don’t have these polyps removed, they can sometimes change into cancer. It takes up to 10 years for a colon polyp to become a full-blown cancer, according to SurvivorNet experts.

Most colon cancers can be prevented if people are regularly screened. The screening usually involves a colonoscopy, in which a long, thin tube attached to a camera examines the colon and rectum. If no polyps are discovered, the following screening won’t be needed for about ten years.

The American Gastrointestinal Association lowered the recommended initial age for a colorectal screening from 50 to 45.

After diagnosis, a preliminary staging workup is done using imaging studies, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan, to show whether the cancer has spread. If you have had surgery to remove your cancer, a pathologist will examine it under a microscope to determine your stage.

• Stage 1 cancers are those in which the tumor has only penetrated the superficial layers of the colon and hasn’t gotten into the deeper layers.
• Stage 2 cancers involve the deeper layers of the colon wall
• Stage 3 cancers have spread to the lymph nodes around the colon
• Stage 4 cancers have spread to other organs, such as the liver, lungs, or peritoneal cavity (the space in your abdomen that holds your intestines, stomach, and liver)

The Value of Colonoscopies

The procedure requires your colon to be “cleaned out.” To clear out your colon, your doctor will prescribe a “bowel prep,” a liquid you drink the night before the procedure. The prep acts as a laxative that causes you to have multiple loose stools before your procedure.

WATCH: When to get a colonoscopy

Once your colon is cleared out, the gastroenterologist performing the procedure can have a clear look to evaluate if any polyps or masses are present.

Depending on the size and number of polyps found, it is recommended that patients undergo a repeat colonoscopy within three to five years.

Dr. Zuri Murrell, a colorectal cancer surgeon and Director of the Cedars-Sinai Colorectal Cancer Center, previously explained the colonoscopy procedure to SurvivorNet.

“When we see a polyp, we actually physically take the polyp out through the colonoscope,” he explained.

“What does that mean? That means we basically put a wire through with a little bit of a flange at the end, and we pull the polyp out. Now, note there is no pain with that. Inside the colon, there are no pain fibers. So, there’s no pain,” Dr. Murrell added.

The advantage of a colonoscopy is that your doctor can remove any polyps found during the test. Many colon cancers can be caught on colonoscopy before they develop or when the polyps are small enough to be removed without surgery.

Working Through Cancer

SurvivorNet experts say working during cancer treatment, if you’re able to continue performing your regular duties as Malo plans to do, can help your prognosis.

Doctors and social workers in the oncology field have told SurvivorNet that they recommend working during cancer treatment because work can establish a sense of normalcy in a person’s life.

WATCH: Working during cancer treatment.

It provides a needed source of income and reminds you that you have a life apart from cancer as a valued employee, a great boss, or a trusted co-worker.

A work-life also encourages regular contact with others. Sometimes, cancer can make you feel isolated and lonely, and being around people can be a great comfort.

It’s important to talk with your doctor before taking the big step of returning to work, whether in an office, a warehouse, or back on stage in Malo’s case. Some people can continue to work during cancer treatment, and those who need to take some time away.

It depends on the person, their cancer, and the treatment.

“Some women choose to continue working [through cancer] because working is a significant part of their identity, they enjoy the job, and there’s flexibility built in,” Laurie Ostacher, a social worker at Sutter Bay Medical Foundation, told SurvivorNet.

“I help folks think about whether it makes sense to work. If you don’t want to but are worried you’re not going to be able to make ends meet, then I’ll sit down and help them figure out, you know, with your disability insurance, would this be possible?”

No matter what, it’s important to do what’s right for you and seek out valuable resources like Ostacher if you need help deciding on the right course of action for working during a cancer battle.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

If you are facing a colon cancer diagnosis, here are some questions you may ask your doctor.

• What are my treatment options based on my diagnosis?
• If I’m worried about managing the costs of cancer care, who can help me?
• What support services are available to me? To my family?
• Could this treatment affect my sex life? If so, how and for how long?
• What are the risks and possible side effects of treatment?

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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