Nick Cannon: Multi-talented TV Personality and Lupus Warrior

There are no words to describe the multifaceted talent of the TV personality Nick Cannon. He is a successful host, songwriter-rapper, recording artist, actor, comedian, DJ, and entrepreneur, and is also known as the ex-husband of the infamous diva Mariah Carey and a father to their two kids. For eight long seasons, he was a host of the popular talent show America’s Got Talent (AGT) and has recently brought back MTV's hit show Wild n' Out. Everything he needed or wanted seemed so close in his reach at all times, however, five years ago, his world was shaken by his biggest challenge yet: lupus.

Cannon’s early battle 

It was during a New Year’s vacation in January 2012 when Cannon experienced pain in his kidneys. He also felt fatigue, had swelling around his knees, and had trouble breathing. Days later after getting his symptoms checked, he received a doctor’s confirmation of his condition. He was suffering from lupus. Cannon knew nothing about it then, so it was difficult for him to accept that he had to suddenly pace his career as he always managed to juggle several projects before, thus getting proper rest and diet were never his priority.

In the succeeding months, Cannon was re-hospitalized again due to complications in his kidneys. He even remembered taking more than 20 medications that are mostly used for suppressing the over-activity of his immune system. Cannon knew right then and there that he needed to take care of his health. As a result, he left his morning radio show, which he had hosted for years, and the TV personality also decided to dedicate himself to a healthier, low-sodium diet, regular exercise, and at least six hours of sleep.

A community that helps

Contrary to what uninformed people may think, Cannon did not quit his career. Instead, he learned how to manage his health better. Considering how little he knew about lupus, Cannon turned to the Internet to reach out to the community of lupus warriors. With the support of his family, friends, and their community, Cannon was even made more optimistic and hopeful for his future. He also kept his doctor’s remarks to heart: as long as he takes good care of his health, he can live until he’s very old.

Hoping to positively influence other lupus warriors, Cannon created the NCredible Health Hustle. It is a video series documenting his battle with lupus. The videos included his everyday experiences of visiting the doctor for chemotherapy and some stuff about his work. His then-wife Mariah Carey and their children were also part of ihis earliest episodes.

Aside from his own documentary, Cannon also got involved with several lupus and kidney organizations including the Lupus Foundation of America. Their combined efforts made the Walk to End Lupus Now event possible in April 2014. Because of his influence and drive to spread awareness of the disease, Cannon served as the Grand Marshal for the event where over 4,000 people participated. He said that this kind of support system is what all lupus warriors need the most.

Career-wise, Cannon is not giving up either. He said in an interview that he always belonged on the stage. He even revealed that it was rather therapeutic for him to be able to talk to the public about his disease. In fact, others will greatly benefit from this effort too. Cannon always believed that knowledge of the disease is key to understanding it and to eventually freeing oneself of fear of the disease. One of his most notable lines is “I have lupus, but lupus does not have me.” This is indicative of the entertainment mogul’s optimism despite the serious condition.  

Other celebrities who are lupus warriors

Singer Toni Braxton is one of Nick Cannon’s friends who was with him through thick and thin. She didn’t only do things for him, she also is a lupus warrior herself, together with several other popular TV personalities.

Actress Kristen Johnston was diagnosed with lupus myelitis in 2011, which is a form attacks the spinal cord. Michael Jackson was also one who was diagnosed with vitiligo and discoid lupus which caused the skin blotches that the singer desperately tried to get rid of.  

When people see Seal, a singer, they often question his facial scars. Seal’s lupus is one which causes blisters around the face, eventually scarring it deeply. The singer was diagnosed with this strand of lupus when he was just a child, however, today the deep scars are still visible on his face and draws people’s attention.

Selena Gomez’s revelation of her lupus diagnosis made fuss among fans recently. After canceling several international tours, the young singer was accused of substance abuse, making her have no choice but to reveal that her ‘unusual’ actions were due to lupus. Her diagnosis also brought more much-needed awareness for the disease.

Lupus treatment and triggers

Just like any other autoimmune diseases, lupus isn’t yet a fully understood condition. Consequently, there is still no cure for it. However, treatments have been around a long time. Prednisone and other corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation. Also, immunosuppressant medicines slow down the immune system’s attack on itself. In addition, Naproxen sodium, ibuprofen, and other pain relievers treat fever and swelling.

A newer drug called Benlysta, a biologic drug, suppresses only the overactive antibodies instead of the entire immune system. Now, the drug can also be administered by the patients themselves instead of having to visit the doctor. Vitamin D, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and fish oil may be used as supplements too.

Lupus can be triggered by common factors such as sunlight, fluorescent light, stress, flu, infections, and exhaustion. However, some other patients do not show ‘physical’ manifestations of the disease. That is, they may still look pretty and handsome, making it difficult to believe that they are ill. While this is the case for some, sudden flares that are triggered by common environmental factors may happen anytime. To avoid these flares, one must have a well-balanced diet, plenty of sleep and exercise, and must be as stress-free as possible.

Understanding the risks of lupus

Lupus is an immune system disorder in which the body attacks its own tissues or cells. Since the body is made up of a network of these cells and tissues, lupus can attack anywhere in the body, such as kidneys, heart, brain, lungs, skin, joints, spinal cord, and blood cells. This is why lupus patients show different conditions and complications.

Most of the time, doctors’ diagnoses are other illnesses before they can trace any condition to lupus. However, this is entirely understandable since symptoms of lupus resemble many other diseases. Nevertheless, early detection of the disease could greatly help in its treatment. Therefore, when any similar symptoms persist (fatigue, joint pain, confusion etc.), people should immediately visit the doctor. This way they can deal with the disease faster and better.

Final thoughts

Lupus is a serious illness that needs immediate attention and medication. Just like any other immune system disorders, the best treatment is a healthier and well-balanced lifestyle. Perhaps the most challenging adjustment of lupus patients involve pacing down the lifestyle they are used to. If there is no traceable genetic component, lupus patients are often busy or stressed individuals. Therefore, it is extremely necessary to considerably tone down in one’s hectic life.

The disease is yet to be fully understood. However, as Nick Cannon emphasized, spreading awareness about the disease should be the goal of everybody who’s already well-informed. He stressed that lupus is manageable and that there are ways to deal with it.

In Nick Cannon’s words, “The more you know about it; the more you can understand it; and the more that those fears go away.”