Actor Jeff Bridges Stays Connected to Fans Amid Lymphoma Treatment; Posts Book Giveaway and Teaser for New Documentary

The Oscar-winning actor announced he was giving away a signed copy of his photo book Pictures Volume Two in an Instagram post on Friday in honor of World Book Day.

World Book Day was created by UNESCO in April of 1995 as a worldwide celebration of books and reading. Bridges’ book, which was released in 2019, is his second collection of original photographs that he captured on movie sets.

Bridges broke the news of his cancer in October 2020 via social media. He announced his diagnosis saying, “I have a great team of doctors, and the prognosis is good.” He also thanked his followers for their “prayers and well wishes” and threw in a friendly reminder to vote.

Since then, he has informed fans of his progress with various posts on social media and updates under the “Latest” tab on his website. His most recent cancer-related update came in January when he told readers that his new cancer treatment protocol was “working beautifully” and shrinking his tumor.

More recently, Bridges encouraged people to check out the trailer for a film called The Beast of Our Time: Climate Change and Grizzly Bears on Facebook. Bridges narrates the 28-minute documentary, which explores the relationship between grizzlies and climate change.

RELATED: 'So Happy You Are Feeling Well': Fans Shower Actor Jeff Bridges, 71, With Love as He Fights Lymphoma & Stays Active

What is Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system that begins in the white blood cells called lymphocytes. Bridges hasn’t specified which type of lymphoma he has, and there are more than 40 different types. Hodgkin lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma are the main two sub-categories with the latter being more common. The type of white blood cells linked to the disease determines the distinction. If doctors are unable to detect the Reed-Sternberg cell a giant cell derived from B lymphocytes then it is categorized as Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

RELATED: Finding Lymphoma Early: Do you Know the Symptoms and Risks?

You might be at a higher risk for this cancer if you:

• Have been infected with the HIV or Epstein-Barr virus
• Had an organ transplant
• Have a family history of lymphoma
• Have been treated with radiation or chemotherapy drugs for cancer in the past
• Have an autoimmune disease

People with lymphoma do not always have symptoms, but common ones are:

• Swollen glands in your neck, armpit or groin
• Fever
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling tired
• Swelling in your stomach

Keeping Busy during Treatment

Connecting with fans like Bridges, revisiting your love for painting or mastering a new recipe are all great ways to focus on your mental and physical health while undergoing cancer treatment. Studies prove that patients who are able to stay upbeat and positive often have better treatment outcomes. It doesn’t really matter what you do, but experts such as Dr. Dana Chase, a gynecologic oncologist at Arizona Oncology, recommend doing whatever makes you happy.

Related: Stay Positive, It Matters

"We know from good studies that emotional health is associated with survival, meaning better quality of life is associated with better outcomes," Chase told SurvivorNet in a previous interview. "So working on your emotional health, your physical well-being, your social environment [and] your emotional well-being are important and can impact your survival. If that's related to what activities you do that bring you joy, then you should try to do more of those activities."

Dr. Dana Chase encourages those facing cancer to find moments of joy during treatment

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