Curious tale of Kevin Keegan's cancer diagnosis - stomach tumour that killed him was only discovered after major car crash...as football legend dies aged 75

By CIARAN FOREMAN, HEALTH REPORTER Published: 10:46, 21 July 2026 | Updated: 11:32, 21 July 2026 Kevin Keegan's tragic death yesterday, aged 75, came after a short battle with cancer – but he only discovered he had the disease after being involved in a car crash. The Liverpool and Newcastle United legend initially revealed he had been diagnosed in January with stomach cancer, a disease that affects 6,800 people in Britain each year and kills nearly 4,000. Typically, those with the disease will show symptoms such as persistent heartburn or acid reflux, difficulty swallowing, nausea, indigestion and feeling full after eating a small amount of food. Patients with suspected stomach cancer are typically referred for an upper endoscopy – also known as a gastroscopy – in which a tube fitted with a camera is passed down the throat into the stomach to check for signs of the disease.  In Keegan's case, his cancer was detected after undergoing medical tests for stomach issues following a car accident. Some experts say people who have been involved in a crash are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than people who have not. The potential reasons for this, however, are varied. One theory is that those who drive more often may have lifestyle factors associated with a higher cancer risk, including spending long periods sitting and being more likely to be overweight. Kevin Keegan's tragic death came after a short battle with stomach cancer Your browser does not support iframes. Drivers may also have greater exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun during long periods behind the wheel, which can be linked to certain types of cancer. However, many experts believe the more likely explanation is that people injured in crashes are subjected to extensive medical investigations, increasing the chances of an existing cancer being detected. People involved in serious collisions often undergo detailed examinations, such as CT or MRI scans, which check for internal injuries.  When revealing his initial diagnosis, Keegan's family said he had been admitted to hospital for 'further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms'. It is during scans that previously undetected problems such as tumours can show up, like in Keegan's case. Speaking earlier this year, the former England manager said: 'I was in a car accident and, through that, I had to have an operation.  'Whilst having the scan for the operation, they found out I had cancer.'  In other words, people involved in car crashes – or any accident involving injuries – are not necessarily more likely to develop cancer, but they may be more likely to have an existing cancer diagnosed.  Stomach cancer is often slow-growing and can take years to develop, but Keegan revealed that his disease had progressed to stage four in June, meaning it had spread to other parts of the body. Stage four stomach cancer is the most advanced stage of the disease and is more difficult to treat. Keegan revealed the stomach cancer had progressed to stage four in June Keegan played for England before managing them in a glittering football career At the time, Keegan, a two-time Ballon d'Or winner, said he was assured he would be seen by 'a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got, which is stage-four cancer'. He added: 'He was a Liverpool supporter so I went to meet him. I knew I wouldn't be walking alone, if you know what I mean.'  Sadly, Keegan's stage four diagnosis gave him a bleak prognosis as just 20 per cent of patients at this stage live longer than a year. His death was announced by family yesterday, who said: 'It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75. 'The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments. 'Kevin was a much loved husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin's incredible medical team for all their support. 'This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.' According to previous studies, stomach cancer is often caused by a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, which is responsible for around 40 per cent of cases in the UK. The bug spreads through contaminated food and water, and can often trigger uncomfortable symptoms like indigestion and stomach ulcers. However, many experience no symptoms. In some cases, Helicobacter pylori remains in the stomach for months while for others, it can stay there for years or even decades. Other causes of stomach cancer include smoking, heavy alcohol consumption and poor diet. The disease is twice as common in men as it is in women, according to research.