Andrew Duggan was a prolific American actor who appeared in over 180 films and television shows from 1949 to 1987. He was known for his imposing height, raspy voice, and ability to portray authority figures such as presidents, generals, judges, and doctors. He starred in popular series such as Bourbon Street Beat, Lancer, and The Homecoming: A Christmas Story. However, his successful career was cut short by throat cancer, which took his life on May 15, 1988. In this article, we will explore how throat cancer affected Duggan’s life and career, and what are the symptoms, causes, and treatments of this disease.
Contents
What is Throat Cancer?
Throat cancer is a type of cancer that affects the pharynx (the tube that connects the mouth and nose to the esophagus) or the larynx (the voice box). It can also affect the tonsils, the base of the tongue, and the epiglottis (the flap that covers the windpipe). Throat cancer is more common in men than women, and in people over 50 years old. According to the American Cancer Society, about 54,010 new cases of throat cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2021, and about 10,850 people will die from it.
What are the Symptoms of Throat Cancer?
The symptoms of throat cancer may vary depending on the location and stage of the tumor. Some common symptoms include:
- A persistent sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- A lump or swelling in the neck or throat
- Ear pain or hearing loss
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
- Coughing up blood or bloody phlegm
- Changes in voice quality or pitch
These symptoms may also be caused by other conditions, such as infections, allergies, or benign growths. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms for more than two weeks.
What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Throat Cancer?
The exact causes of throat cancer are not fully understood, but some factors may increase the risk of developing it. These include:
- Tobacco use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or chewing tobacco can damage the cells lining the throat and increase the risk of throat cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, tobacco use accounts for about 85% of head and neck cancers (including throat cancer).
- Alcohol use: Drinking alcohol can irritate the throat and make it more vulnerable to damage from tobacco or other carcinogens. Heavy alcohol use can also impair the immune system and reduce the body’s ability to fight infections and cancer.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause genital warts and cervical cancer. Some strains of HPV can also infect the mouth and throat and cause throat cancer. HPV-related throat cancer is more common in younger people and in men. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children aged 11 or 12 receive the HPV vaccine to prevent HPV-related cancers.
- Other factors: Some other factors that may increase the risk of throat cancer include exposure to asbestos, radiation, or certain chemicals; poor oral hygiene; chronic acid reflux; a family history of throat cancer; or a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS or other conditions.
How is Throat Cancer Diagnosed and Treated?
To diagnose throat cancer, a doctor may perform a physical examination, ask about your medical history and symptoms, and order some tests. These tests may include:
- Endoscopy: A thin tube with a light and a camera is inserted through the mouth or nose to examine the throat and look for any abnormal growths.
- Biopsy: A small sample of tissue is taken from the suspected tumor and examined under a microscope to confirm if it is cancerous.
- Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, or ultrasound may be used to determine the size, location, and spread of the tumor.
- Blood tests: Blood tests may be done to check for signs of infection, inflammation, or anemia.
The treatment of throat cancer depends on several factors, such as the type, stage, location, and size of the tumor; the patient’s age, general health, and preferences; and the potential side effects of treatment. The main types of treatment are:
- Surgery: Surgery involves removing part or all of the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue. Depending on the extent of surgery, some structures in the throat may also be removed or reconstructed, such as the larynx (laryngectomy), part of the tongue (glossectomy), or part of the jaw (mandibulectomy). Surgery may affect the patient’s ability to speak, swallow, or breathe normally, and may require rehabilitation or prosthetic devices.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. It can be delivered externally (from a machine outside the body) or internally (from a radioactive source placed inside the body near the tumor). Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy may cause side effects such as skin irritation, dry mouth, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or loss of taste.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. It can be given orally (by mouth), intravenously (through a vein), or intramuscularly (through a muscle). Chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with surgery or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, infection, or bleeding.
- Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific molecules or genes that are involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. It can be given orally or intravenously. Targeted therapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments. Targeted therapy may cause side effects such as rash, diarrhea, liver problems, or high blood pressure.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses drugs that stimulate the body’s own immune system to fight cancer cells. It can be given intravenously or subcutaneously (under the skin). Immunotherapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments. Immunotherapy may cause side effects such as fever, chills, fatigue, rash, itching, or inflammation.
How Did Throat Cancer Affect Andrew Duggan’s Life and Career?
Andrew Duggan was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1979, when he was 55 years old. He underwent surgery to remove part of his larynx and vocal cords, which left him with a permanent tracheostomy (a hole in his neck to help him breathe) and a raspy voice. He also received radiation therapy and chemotherapy to treat the cancer.
Despite his condition, Duggan continued to act and work until his death. He used his distinctive voice to his advantage and landed roles that suited his new image. He also did voice-over work for commercials and documentaries. Some of his notable roles after his diagnosis include:
- The President of the United States in The Final Countdown (1980), a science fiction film about a modern aircraft carrier that travels back in time to the eve of the Pearl Harbor attack.
- Howitzer Al Houlihan in MAS*H (1982), a comedy-drama series about a mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War. He played the father of Major Margaret Houlihan (Loretta Swit), a strict and stern army nurse.
- Senator William Fulbright in A Rumor of War (1980), a television miniseries based on the memoir of Philip Caputo, a Marine lieutenant who served in Vietnam.
- General Douglas MacArthur in MacArthur’s Children (1984), a Japanese film about the post-war occupation of Japan by the United States.
- General George S. Patton Jr. in The Last Days of Patton (1986), a television film that depicts the final months of Patton’s life after he was severely injured in a car accident.
Duggan died on May 15, 1988, at the age of 64, at the UCLA Medical Center in Westwood, California. His wife of 34 years, Elizabeth Logue, died less than a month later from cancer as well. They were survived by their three children: Richard, Nancy, and Melissa.
Andrew Duggan was a versatile character actor who left behind a legacy of memorable performances in various genres and media. He also showed courage and resilience in facing throat cancer and its consequences. He is remembered as one of the greats of American cinema and television.
Conclusion
Throat cancer is a serious disease that can affect anyone who is exposed to certain risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol use, HPV infection, or other factors. It can cause various symptoms such as sore throat, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or lump in the neck. It can be diagnosed by physical examination, endoscopy, biopsy, imaging tests, or blood tests. It can be treated by surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these methods.
Andrew Duggan was an American actor who suffered from throat cancer and underwent surgery to remove part of his larynx and vocal cords. He also received radiation therapy and chemotherapy to treat the cancer. He continued to act and work until his death in 1988. He played many roles that showcased his talent and versatility as an actor. He also used his raspy voice to his advantage and did voice-over work for commercials and documentaries. He was a brave and inspiring figure who fought throat cancer
