MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

What is lymphoma? 'The Big Lebowski' star Jeff Bridges reveals cancer diagnosis, fans hope 'the dude abides'

'As the Dude would say.. New S**T has come to light. I have been diagnosed with Lymphoma,' Jeff Bridges announced on Twitter

Academy Award-winning actor Jeff Bridges announced on Monday, October 19 that he has been diagnosed with lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system.

The 70-year-old actor posted on Twitter, "As the Dude would say.. New S**T has come to light. I have been diagnosed with Lymphoma. Although it is a serious disease, I feel fortunate that I have a great team of doctors and the prognosis is good. I’m starting treatment and will keep you posted on my recovery." In another tweet, 'The Big Lebowski' star wrote, "I’m profoundly grateful for the love and support from my family and friends. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes. And, while I have you, please remember to go vote. Because we are all in this together. http://Vote.org Love, Jeff."

As soon as the news came in people started reacting to it. CNBC reporter Lora Kolodny replied to his tweet saying, "I admire your handling of this news, and communication to your fans and followers. Hope all the good energy you have put out into the world comes back to ya 10 fold and sees you through and well past this. <3" While another lymphoma patient wrote, "Sending all the love - I’ve had lymphoma for almost 10 years, off and on treatments to keep it at bay. You’ve got this."

While one wrote, "I could not love you more. You have entertained me and forced me to look at life from different angles, for half a century. Rock on." Another one slammed 2020 and said, "Man, 2020 really is a weird one. I hope the dude abides. You're one of my favorite actors. Down to earth with a great attitude. Get well soon, sir! And to everyone else out there struggling... know times are tough but... we will abide!"

One fan shared a picture of a beautiful sunflower from her garden and wrote, "Dude, you are one of my favorite actors! So sorry to learn this but I am sending positive energy your way for a complete recovery. And a sunflower from my garden."

What is lymphoma?

According to a 2017 study, the USA records 74,000 new cases of Lymphoma every year. This disease has no age bar and can happen at any age, from a child to a 70-year-old. It is nearly always curable; most people live for many years after being diagnosed with lymphoma.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lymphoma is of two types, first is "Hodgkin lymphoma, which spreads in an orderly manner from one group of lymph nodes to another." Another one is "Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which spreads through the lymphatic system in a non-orderly manner."

What Causes Lymphoma?

"Lymphoma can develop when lymphocytes (white blood cells that fight infection) grow out of control. This is caused by genetic changes in the cells that mean they no longer ‘listen’ to signals that control their growth and death," according to Lymphoma action's official website.

What are the risk factors?

The risk factors for the disease include:

- Age and sex
- Family history
- Immune system problems
- Infections
- Previous cancers
- Precursor conditions (non-cancerous conditions of lymphocytes)