Celebrities with Essential Thrombocythemia

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a rare blood disorder that causes the body to produce too many platelets, which can lead to abnormal blood clotting or bleeding. ET is one of the chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), a group of diseases that affect the bone marrow and blood cells. Most patients with ET have a mutation in one of three genes: JAK2, CALR, or MPL. These mutations are acquired during a person's lifetime and are not inherited.

ET can affect anyone, but it is more common in older adults and slightly more prevalent in women than men. The exact incidence and prevalence of ET are not well known, but some estimates suggest that it affects about 2 to 3 people per 100,000 population per year, with a prevalence of about 40 to 60 cases per 100,000 population.

ET can cause various symptoms, such as headache, dizziness, chest pain, vision changes, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, nosebleeds, bruising, bleeding gums, or blood in the stool. However, some patients may have no symptoms at all and are diagnosed incidentally during a routine blood test. The main complications of ET are thrombosis (blood clots) and bleeding, which can occur in any part of the body and can be life-threatening. ET can also increase the risk of developing other MPNs or acute leukemia over time.

The treatment of ET depends on the patient's risk of thrombosis and bleeding, which is estimated based on age, history of thrombosis, presence of a JAK2 mutation, and cardiovascular risk factors. Patients are classified into four risk categories: very low, low, intermediate, and high. The main goals of treatment are to prevent thrombosis and bleeding, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life. Low-dose aspirin is recommended for most patients to reduce the risk of thrombosis, except for those with very low risk or contraindications. Cytoreductive therapy (drugs that lower the platelet count) is indicated for high-risk patients and may be considered for intermediate-risk patients. The most commonly used cytoreductive drugs are hydroxyurea and interferon-alpha. Other treatments that may be used in some cases include anagrelide, ruxolitinib, busulfan, or platelet apheresis.

There are some celebrities who have been diagnosed with ET or have publicly shared their experience with the disease. Here are five examples:

• Julia Roberts. Julia is an actress known for her leading roles in films ranging from romantic comedies and dramas to thrillers and biopics. She has won an Academy Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and many other accolades. She was diagnosed with ET in 2001 after experiencing severe headaches and fatigue. She has been taking hydroxyurea and aspirin to manage her condition and has continued to work and raise her three children.


• Susan Tyrrell. Susan was a character actress from the United States. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in Fat City (1972) and appeared in many other films and television shows. She was diagnosed with ET in 2000 and developed complications such as gangrene and amputation of both legs below the knee. She died in 2012 at the age of 67 from unknown causes.


• Michael York. Michael is an actor from England who has appeared in over 70 films and television shows, including Romeo and Juliet (1968), Cabaret (1972), Logan's Run (1976), The Three Musketeers (1973), Austin Powers (1997), and Gilmore Girls (2006). He was diagnosed with ET in 2013 after suffering from severe anemia and weight loss. He underwent chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation to treat his condition and has since recovered.


• Linda Ronstadt. Linda is a singer-songwriter from the United States who has won 10 Grammy Awards, three American Music Awards, two Academy of Country Music Awards, an Emmy Award, and many other honors. She is known for her diverse musical genres and collaborations with artists such as Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Aaron Neville, James Taylor, and Neil Young. She was diagnosed with ET in 2012 after experiencing fatigue and shortness of breath. She has also been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, which has affected her ability to sing.


• Gail Porter. Gail is a television presenter and model from Scotland who has hosted shows such as The Big Breakfast, Top of the Pops, and Dead Famous. She has also appeared in magazines such as FHM, Maxim, and Loaded. She was diagnosed with ET in 2015 after suffering from a stroke at the age of 44. She has been taking medication and undergoing regular blood tests to monitor her condition.

These are just some of the celebrities who have ET or have spoken about it publicly. There may be others who have not disclosed their diagnosis or are not aware of it. ET is a rare but serious disease that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or occupation. It is important to raise awareness and educate people about the signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of ET, as well as to support research and advocacy for better outcomes and quality of life for patients and their families.