Sick of It All frontman and founding member Lou Koller has died at 59 after a two-year battle with adenocarcinoma.
In June 2024, he shared that doctors had discovered a tumour in his esophagus which had extended into his stomach. As he began treatment, the band canceled its planned European tour.
After completing his final chemotherapy round, Lou was told he was cancer-free. Months later, however, he revealed that the illness had returned.
In a social media video, he told fans it was ‘back to square one’.
Following his death, the band released a statement.
“The level of loss that we feel at this time is overwhelming. We have lost a beloved friend and an iconic frontman Lou had the power to raise everyone’s spirits at our shows with a smile and a sarcastic comment, and he won people over wherever we played, from every culture and every corner of the world.”
According to Mayo Clinic, adenocarcinoma is a form of cancer that begins in gland cells, also known as glandular cells.
It is among the most common cancers affecting organs and can develop in several parts of the body, including the esophagus, stomach, prostate and pancreas.
Symptoms differ depending on the type and location of the cancer, though Cleveland Clinic says there are several overlapping symptoms.
Esophageal adenocarcinoma is the most common type of esophageal cancer in the United States, and symptoms often do not appear until the disease is advanced. Warning signs can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain or pressure, coughing or hoarseness, unintended weight loss, and heartburn or indigestion that gets worse over time.
For stomach adenocarcinoma, symptoms may include indigestion, upper abdominal pain, feeling full after eating only small amounts, nausea, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, black stools or vomiting blood.
Risk factors for esophageal adenocarcinoma can include long-term acid reflux, Barrett’s esophagus, smoking and obesity.
Anyone worried about possible symptoms should speak to a doctor.
This year would have marked the 40th anniversary of the New York hardcore band, founded in Queens in 1986 by Lou, his brother Pete Koller and drummer Armand Majidi.