Superstar Cher and Others with Epstein-Barr Could Be at Risk for Lymphoma — How This Common Virus Can Wreak Havoc

“The exact role of EBV in the development of HL isn’t clear,” the ASC states. “Many people are infected with EBV, but very few develop HL. Parts of the virus are found in Reed-Sternberg cells in about 1 out of 4 people with classic HL in the US. But most people with HL have no signs of EBV in their cancer cells.”

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In a 2018 interview with The New York Times, Cher explained that complications from the virus affected the momentum she was gaining as an actress in films like Mask (1985), The Witches of Eastwick (1987) and Moonstruck (1987), which the Believe singer won a Best Actress Oscar for the following year.

“I got really sick [with the Epstein-Barr virus]. For two years, I couldn’t work. It was terrible. I ended the second year with pneumonia. All these movies offers were coming in, but I had to turn them all down. I was really, really upset about it. And when I came back, I had to work my way back up from the beginning — doing concerts and stuff like that.”

Then on Twitter (now X) in 2021, while discussing invisible disease with fans, she stated she had the virus, but “docs told me it was in my head,” she wrote. “I know it’s hard,” Cher added, comforting a fan.

What is Epstein-Barr Virus (EVB)?

The Epstein-Barr virus (EVB), according to the CDC, is also known as herpesvirus 4, “a member of the herpes virus family” and “one of the most common human viruses.” It is spread through bodily fluids, mostly saliva, and most people will get EBV at some time in their lives. As the ASC noted, it can cause mono, and other illnesses.

There is not a vaccine for EVB, but limiting the sharing of food, drinks, toothbrushes, and anything else used by the mouth can help protect someone from getting EVB.

Though there is no treatment for EVB, symptoms can be reduced by drinking fluids, getting plenty of rest, and taking over-the-counter pain medications when needed.

Learning About Hodgkin Lymphoma

Lymphomas are cancers that begin in a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. The two main categories of lymphomas are Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin, which is far more common.

Hodgkin lymphomas typically begin in a part of the lymph system called B cells, which make proteins called antibodies that help protect the body from germs, according to the American Cancer Society.

The disease is most commonly diagnosed in people between 20 and 40 years old and those over 55, according to the Mayo Clinic. Advances in diagnosis and treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma have helped give people with this disease the chance for a full recovery. The prognosis continues to improve for people with Hodgkin lymphoma.

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

In a previous interview, Dr. Elise Chong, a medical oncologist at Penn Medicine, explained that Hodgkin lymphoma is most often seen in younger adults. And although less common, it is generally easier to cure than Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Dr. Chong also said lymphoma symptoms can be difficult to detect. “The symptoms of lymphoma, especially if you have a low-grade lymphoma, often are no symptoms. People say, but I feel completely fine, and that’s very normal,” she explained.

Sneaky Lymphoma Symptoms Often Lead to a Late Diagnosis

“The patients who are diagnosed with lymphoma early, typically it’s luck,” Dr. Chong said. They may have had a symptom that made their doctor check them, or the cancer showed up on a scan or blood test that was done for another reason.

Until an effective screening test does become available, you can increase your odds of finding lymphoma early by knowing whether you’re at risk, and staying alert for symptoms.

EBV and Other Risk Factors for Lymphoma

You might be at higher risk for lymphoma if you:

• Have been infected with the Epstein-Barr virus or HIV
• 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

Let your doctor know about these risks, so he or she can keep a close eye on you. You may need more frequent checkups and tests.

Symptoms of Hodgkin Lymphoma

Also watch out for lymphoma symptoms. The most common ones are:

• Swollen glands in your neck, armpit, or groin
• Fever
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Weight loss without trying
• Feeling tired
• Swelling in your belly

RELATED: 7 Sneaky Symptoms of Hodgkin Lymphoma: Doctor Told One Teen Her Itchy Rash — Later Diagnosed at Stage 4 — Was ‘Nothing to Worry About’

Many different conditions, including infections, cause these same symptoms. So don’t panic if you have them. It’s most likely something more benign, but still worth getting checked out. It’s also a good idea to see your doctor for any unusual symptoms, even if they’re not on this list.

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