Influencer Lorna Luxe has announced the death of her husband, John Andrews, 64, after a battle with adrenal cancer. The rare disease, which affects about one in a million people, was first diagnosed in 2023. Although he briefly went into remission, the cancer later spread to his brain.
Adrenal cancer begins in the adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys. These glands produce hormones such as cortisol, oestrogen and testosterone. Because the condition is so rare, doctors are not always sure what causes it.
Symptoms can vary. Some tumors produce excess hormones, leading to signs such as weight gain around the abdomen, easy bruising, muscle weakness, mood changes, high blood pressure, or new-onset diabetes. This group of symptoms is often linked to high cortisol levels.
Other tumors do not produce hormones and may go unnoticed until advanced. Possible warning signs include persistent abdominal pain, extreme fatigue, unexplained weight loss, nausea and vomiting.
When adrenal cancer spreads to the brain, symptoms can include headaches, confusion, weakness on one side of the body, and changes in behavior.
Adrenal cancer is often diagnosed late because early symptoms can be subtle. Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, depending on how far the disease has spread.
Experts advise seeking medical advice if ongoing, unexplained symptoms persist. Early investigation offers the best chance of effective treatment.