What Is Leukemia? 5 Things To Know About The Cancer That Killed Dylan Rieder
Skateboarding star Dylan Rieder tragically died at just 28 years old on Oct. 12 due to complications from Leukemia, which is a cancer of the blood cells. Here’s everything you need to know about the disease that claimed Dylan’s life much too soon.
The world is mourning the untimely death of pro skateboarder and model Dylan Rieder, who lost his battle with leukemia on Oct. 12. Here are five things to know about the type of cancer that Dylan suffered from.
1. There are 4 main types of leukemia.
Leukemia is first divided into acute or chronic forms. Acute leukemia is when there is a rapid increase in one’s immature blood cell count, and bone marrow can’t produce healthy blood cells. Chronic leukemia is the buildup of mature white blood cells, and it generally takes months or years to progress. As for the four main specific types, acute lymphoblastic leukemia most often affects young children, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the most common type of leukemia in adults over 55. Acute myelogenous leukemia and chronic myelogenous leukemia both mainly affect adults.
2. The exact cause of leukemia is unknown.
Different leukemias have different causes, and known cases are rare. In adults, some known causes include natural and artificial ionizing radiation, human T-lymphotropic virus, and some chemicals in chemotherapy agents. Tobacco use and hair dyes have also contributed to some forms of leukemia. A genetic predisposition towards developing the cancer and family history of the disease are also factors.
3. The survival stats have improved, but are still heartbreaking.
Every 3 minutes, one person in the US is diagnosed with a blood cancer. Every 9 minutes, someone dies from it. From 2005 to 2011, the survival rate of leukemia was approximately 61.7%. 24,400 people are expected to die from the disease in 2016. Hard to believe, but the survival rate has more than quadrupled since 1960.
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4. Symptoms aren’t pretty.
Individuals with leukemia might experience bleeding and bruising problems, fatigue, fever, and an increased risk of infections.
5. Treatment depends on severity.
Treatment varies depending on the specific type of leukemia, but most forms are treated with pharmaceutical medication (chemotherapy). Radiation therapy and bone marrow transplants are also effective in some cases.
Dylan’s family has requested that in his honor, donations be made to his doctor Stephen Forman, who is a hematology and oncology expert. You can learn more about leukemia right here.
HollywoodLifers, please leave your thoughts for Dylan’s friends and family in the comments below.
