As Jeff Bridges, 71, Battles Lymphoma, Fans Send Love, Support, and Wishes for a Speedy Recovery

During this holiday season, undergoing treatment for cancer can feel even harder due to the time of year, and also current global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re happy to see how fans have rallied around Bridges to offer support during this time. One well-wisher wrote to Bridges on Instagram after he shared his latest update, “Be strong be brave and above all be steadfast.” Another person wrote, “Dude, love you, get better fast!” Many others wished for a speedy recovery and healing. One fan said, “Wishing you love light and healing.”

 

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Lymphoma Diagnosis & Treatment

Jeff Bridges shared his lymphoma diagnosis in October but did not share the type of lymphoma he has. Lymphoma is commonly diagnosed as either Hodgkin or Non-Hodgkin. The difference between the two types is dependent upon the white blood cells. If doctors detect Reed-Sternberg cells in the blood, the cancer is classified as Hodgkin.

Related: 'Dude, You Got This:' Support for Actor Jeff Bridges, 70, from Lymphoma Survivors Is Proof Cancer Can Be Beat

Dr. Michael Jain, a Medical Oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center, said in a previous interview that some specific factors may contribute to lymphoma risk. “We think that the main culprit for [lymphoma] occurring is actually, it’s a disease of aging. The average age for these types of lymphomas is people in their 60s and 70s. And as we get older, there are a few things that happen.”

Related: Double-Hit and Triple-Hit Lymphomas May Need More Aggressive Treatment

“Number one, you have more of an opportunity for these mutations to occur, these DNA changes,” said Dr. Jain. “And also, the immune system gets a little bit weaker and doesn’t recognize these tumors, as well. Now, I’m often asked, well, what else can accelerate these processes of changes to the DNA? And there may be exposures that do that. We know that there are viruses that may lead to an increased amount of these types of lymphomas, although many people in the population will have these viruses and not get the cancer. There may be exposures, and people wonder about things like Roundup or Agent Orange or other exposures that may accelerate the process of forming cancer. However, I should say that the data on all these is not particularly strong.”

Age, Race, and Exposures Might All Factor Into Lymphoma Risk

Strong Support Systems Through Cancer

Bridges is fortunate to have so much support flowing his way as he fights his lymphoma. Having a strong support network while undergoing cancer treatment can be hugely helpful, and may make the cancer journey feel less daunting.

Related: Shannen Doherty's Dear Friend is Perfect Example of the Kind of Sisterhood of Support Needed When Battling Metastatic Breast Cancer

Support can be found in friends, family, partners, and also more formal resources like therapy, and support groups.  Kelly Sargent, an ovarian cancer survivor said in an earlier interview that she found support groups to be a powerful source of strength as she battled her disease.

Related: "The Mental Game Is as Strong as Medicine"Cancer Survivors Share How They Keep Going In Uncertain Times

“When I was diagnosed,” said Sargent, “as soon as I got in the hospital, I started going online to find not only information but also support groups, stories from survivors, anything that I could find as far as my treatment I definitely looked for. I have met some incredible people in San Antonio. Coming here not knowing anyone, I’ve been blessed with having met some incredible ladies. I have an incredible set of friends that I met after my diagnosis through a Bible study group that have become very, very close friends of mine that are an incredible part of my support system. That support from those ladies has been life-changing for me.”

The Benefit of Support Networks for Cancer Patients

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