Brad Arnold, the lead singer of the Grammy-nominated rock band 3 Doors Down, has asked his fans for prayers after revealing that he was diagnosed with stage 4 clear cell renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer.
“Got some not-so-good news for you today,” he wrote. “So I’ve been sick a couple of weeks ago and then went to the hospital and got checked out and had actually got the diagnosis that I had a clear cell renal [cell] carcinoma that had metastasized into my lung. And it’s stage 4, and that’s not real good.”
The singer was supported by many of his fellow musicians in the comment section.
“I hate to hear that,” wrote country star Jason Aldean. “Praying for ya brother.”
“If anyone has the faith and strength to face this fight, it’s you brother,” added Creed frontman Scott Stapp.
According to the National Cancer Institute, clear cell renal cell carcinoma, also known as ccRCC, is the most common form of kidney cancer, accounting for about 80 percent of all cases.
The Cleveland Clinic reports that ccRCC is more prevalent in men than women and is typically diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 70.
Symptoms may include bloody urine, fatigue, fever, weight loss, or a lump in the abdomen. In addition to undergoing surgery to remove the mass, treatment usually entails immunotherapy to ward off cancer cells or targeted therapy to stop them from growing.
Arnold said he is maintaining a positive outlook despite his diagnosis, sharing that his band’s 2008 single “It’s Not My Time” has become his personal anthem.
“We serve a mighty God and He can overcome anything, so I have no fear,” the singer said. “I really sincerely am not scared of it at all. But it is gonna force us to cancel our tour this summer, and we’re sorry for that, and I'd love for you to lift me up in prayer every chance you get.”
The Mississippi native founded 3 Doors Down in 1996 with childhood friends Matt Roberts and Todd Harrell, releasing the debut album “The Better Life” in 2000.
Harrell left the band in 2013 after being arrested for vehicular manslaughter. He was later sentenced to two years in prison. Roberts died in 2016 at the age of 38 from a prescription drug overdose.
