At age 24, TikToker Bella Bradford dies from rhabdomyosarcoma: all about this rare cancer

Bella Bradford, an Australian TikTok star, died on October 15 from a rare cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma. She announced her death in a pre-recorded video while undergoing treatment, calling it her last “Get ready with me.”

“I have terminal cancer and unfortunately my life is over and I have died. But I wanted to do one last “Get Ready with Me” because I love doing it and I love fashion. Thank you for following me on this fun journey.” – she said in the eleven-minute video– according to a report published by The Independent.

What is rhabdomyosarcoma?

Bella, 24, had rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare type of cancer that can develop anywhere in the body, but more commonly in the head and neck area, the urinary tract, such as the bladder, vagina, uterus and testicles, and the arms and legs. .

According to the American Cancer Society, rhabdomyosarcoma is a type of sarcoma made up of cells that normally develop into muscles that control the movement of parts of our body.

Before birth, cells called rhabdomyoblasts begin to form and will later develop into skeletal muscle.

These cells have the potential to become rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). Because this cancer arises from immature muscle cells, it is much more common in children, although it can sometimes affect adults.

The US National Cancer Institute suggests that this type of cancer may also occur as a result of certain genetic or inherited conditions, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Noonan syndrome, and Costello syndrome, among others.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Symptoms of rhabdomyosarcoma may occur depending on the location of the cancer. If it occurs in the head and neck area, symptoms include headaches and bleeding from the nose, throat, or ears. Watering or swelling of the eyes may also occur.

If the cancer occurs in the urinary or reproductive system, you may experience a lump or bleeding in the vagina or rectum, problems urinating or seeing blood in the urine, and problems with bowel movements.

If the cancer affects the arms or legs, there is swelling or a lump and pain.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

Rhabdomyosarcoma can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. New treatments such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy are being developed to help patients recover faster.

Each type of treatment depends on the location of the cancer and its stage.