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Aretha Franklin Diagnosed With Cancer

Posted Dec 8th 2010 5:30PM by Theo Bark
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A week after undergoing surgery for an unknown illness, it has been reported that legendary singer Aretha Franklin has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and may have less than a year to live.

While her surgery was dubbed "highly successful," FOX 2 News in Detroit has confirmed the Queen of Soul's diagnosis, and it appears there is very little likelihood of recovery. "God is still in control," Franklin said in a post-surgery statement. "I had superb doctors and nurses whom were blessed by all the prayers of the city and the country."

A source close to the 'Respect' singer revealed that her family is "very concerned," despite the fact that Franklin is doing "okay." Survival rates for pancreatic cancer, which has claimed the lives of actors Patrick Swayze and Michael Landon, range from 5-10% in average cases, and significantly less for someone of Franklin's age.

The past few months have been extremely difficult ones for Franklin. The Detroit singer was forced to miss two free concerts in August after breaking several ribs in a fall, and a month later her son was brutally beaten by three assailants at a Detroit gas station. In November, Franklin was forced to cancel all upcoming tour dates through May of 2011, which, if the reports are accurate, may have been her last.