Natalie Cole is being treated for hepatitis C

Natalie Cole has been has been diagnosed with hepatitis C,  a contagious liver disease spread by infected blood, according to the Associated Press.

A statement from Cole's camp revealed that the virus was found during a routine exam and that she likely contracted the virus during drug use many years ago. It is a common cause of liver disease and is reported to affect 13 in 1,000 people. Approximately 10% to 20% of those infected will develop cirrhosis and 1% to 5% will develop liver cancer. Click here for more information on the disease.

"I've been so fortunate to have learned so much from my past experiences," said the Grammy-winning singer. "I am embraced by the love and support of my family and friends; I am committed to my belief in myself and in my abiding faith to meet this challenge with a heartfelt optimism and determination. This is how I intend to deal with this current challenge in my life."

Her Cedars-Sinai Medical Center physician, Dr. Graham Woolf, told AP that Cole has had a "terrific response to her medication and is now virus negative."

Cole is recovering from side effects of the treatment, including fatigue, muscle aches and dehydration.

More than likely, if she is responding to treatment, Cole carried the hep C virus genotype 2 or 3, both of which respond better to the current Peginteferon/Ribavirin treatments  than genotype 1.

Photo: WireImage

Comments

[Liz]

Hep C is a tough one, but it sounds like they caught it early. Hope she gets well soon.

[JACQUELINE STYLES]

I AM A NATIVE OF
KINSTON,NC AND HAVE ENJOYED YOUR MUSIC SINCE AGE SEVENTEEN.I LOVE THE SONG "INSEPARABLE"!
I WAS SAD TO HEAR OF YOUR ILLNESS AND WILL BELIEVE WITH YOU FOR A MIRACLE! LOVE
JSTYLES

[Todd Karn]

I am a huge fan of yours and your classy family. You live in your Dads legacy, you are blessed!
I ,too, have Hepatitis,,(B) It was a recent discovery, and I am chronic and have already developed cirrhosis. I am on viral meds to calm the virus. I know what you are going through. It is very hard, but I live each day to the fullest that I can. I have already said a prayer for you.

[Alexandria]

NO CAFFEINE!!!!! Includes chocolate. Keep skin and hair highly moisturized. Drink lots of water. Eat black grapes for energy. And eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies. I am there with you. We share this once week.

[Beatrice Camacho]

I am sad to hear about your illness, I have been a big fan of your father and you, I have all the biography of Nat king Cole, he has the most beautiful voice, and so do you, I guess you took after him. Anyway please take care of your self, I have heard that Vitamin Lecithin and fish oil will keep you healthy, as someone else said eat a lot of fruiets and vegies, along with your fish and Chicken, thats a healthy meal, please take care of yourself, love you from one of your biggest fans and your father too.

[marcia dornan]

There is no known "cure" for Hep C - Drs. saying there is - just isn't true - this puts a lot of false hope to those that have Hep C - we have been through all of what natalie cole is and has been going through as treatments - the only cure is to "look after your body and eat healthy", stay positive and sing beautifully. People should read up on Hep C before making "it can be cured statements". Transplants do not work - the virus is in the blood and will eventually take over any new kidney - it does give longer life if anything but is not a cure.