Robert Yates was a renowned figure in the NASCAR world, known for his achievements as an engine builder and a team owner. He was responsible for 77 wins as an engine builder and 57 wins as a team owner, including three Daytona 500 victories and one series championship. He was also selected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Class of 2018, a testament to his legacy and impact on the sport. However, his life was cut short by a battle with liver cancer, which he fought for more than a year. In this article, we will explore how liver cancer affected Robert Yates’ health and ultimately led to his death.
Contents
What is Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the liver, an organ that performs many vital functions, such as filtering blood, producing bile, and storing energy. According to the American Cancer Society, liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world and the fourth leading cause of cancer death. There are different types of liver cancer, but the most common one is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which accounts for about 75% of all cases.
What Causes Liver Cancer?
The exact cause of liver cancer is not known, but there are some risk factors that can increase the chances of developing it. Some of these risk factors are:
- Chronic infection with hepatitis B or C, which are viruses that can damage the liver and cause inflammation and scarring.
- Cirrhosis, which is a condition where the liver is scarred and damaged by various causes, such as alcohol abuse, fatty liver disease, or autoimmune disorders.
- Exposure to aflatoxins, which are toxins produced by a type of mold that can contaminate some foods, such as peanuts, corn, and grains.
- Obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, which can affect the liver’s ability to process fats and sugars.
- Smoking, which can introduce harmful chemicals into the body that can damage the liver and other organs.
- Family history of liver cancer, which can indicate a genetic predisposition to the disease.
How Did Robert Yates Get Liver Cancer?
The exact cause of Robert Yates’ liver cancer is not publicly known, but he did have some of the risk factors mentioned above. According to NBC Sports, Yates had been diagnosed with hepatitis C in 1996, which he believed he contracted from a blood transfusion after a racing accident in 1975. Hepatitis C is a chronic infection that can lead to liver damage and cirrhosis over time, and it is also a major risk factor for liver cancer. Yates underwent treatment for hepatitis C in 2015, which cleared the virus from his system, but he still had to deal with the effects of cirrhosis.
In October 2016, Yates announced that he had been diagnosed with liver cancer, which he described as “very aggressive”. He underwent surgery to remove part of his liver, followed by chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which are treatments that use drugs to kill cancer cells or stimulate the immune system to fight them. However, the cancer proved to be resistant to the treatments, and it continued to spread throughout his body.
How Did Robert Yates Die From Liver Cancer?
Robert Yates died on October 2, 2017, at the age of 74, surrounded by his family and friends. His son, Doug Yates, announced his father’s passing on social media, saying: “My Dad and Hero, Robert Yates, has passed and is with the Lord. Thanks for all the prayers and support.” According to NASCAR.com, Yates died from complications of liver cancer, which likely included liver failure, bleeding, infections, and organ damage.
Robert Yates’ death was a huge loss for the NASCAR community, which mourned his passing and celebrated his achievements. He was remembered as a brilliant engineer, a successful businessman, a generous mentor, and a humble person. He was also honored by the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which inducted him posthumously in January 2018, with his son Doug accepting the award on his behalf.
Conclusion
Robert Yates was a legend in the NASCAR world, who left behind a legacy of excellence and innovation. He was also a victim of liver cancer, a disease that affects millions of people around the world. His story shows the importance of raising awareness and finding better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat liver cancer. It also shows the courage and resilience of a man who faced his illness with dignity and faith. Robert Yates’ cause of death was liver cancer, but his life was much more than that. He was a hero to many, and his memory will live on.
