In a new documentary, Patti Scialfa, Bruce Springsteen’s wife and E Street Band member, revealed she was diagnosed with blood cancer multiple myeloma in 2018. Scialfa shared the news in “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band,” which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. The 71-year-old singer mentioned that her immune system is affected by the cancer, so she has to be careful about what she does and where she goes. While Scialfa did not attend the premiere, it is unclear if she is undergoing treatment for her myeloma or what her current health status is.
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that creates cancerous plasma cells in the bone marrow, decreasing the body’s ability to produce antibodies and fight infections. It is not clear what causes multiple myeloma, and there is currently no cure for the disease. Some individuals with multiple myeloma may not require immediate treatment if the cancer is not progressing or causing symptoms. However, common symptoms of the disease include bone pain, digestive issues, mental fatigue, infections, weight loss, weakness, thirst, and frequent urination. Treatments for multiple myeloma may include immunotherapy, CAR-T cell therapy, chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant, radiation, and more.
In addition to Patti Scialfa’s battle with multiple myeloma, Bruce Springsteen, the frontman of the E Street Band, has also faced health issues in recent years. In 2023, Springsteen announced that he would be postponing shows due to a peptic ulcer. The following year, he postponed additional concert dates because of vocal issues and shared details about the challenges he faced in being unable to sing due to stomach problems. Springsteen has also been open about his mental health struggles, revealing in 2012 that he has experienced periods of depression. He and his wife Patti Scialfa have shared that therapy has been helpful in managing his mental health.
The E Street Band, founded in 1972, is a legendary rock band that has been performing for decades. Patti Scialfa joined the band in 1984 and married Bruce Springsteen in 1991. In 2014, she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside the rest of the band members. Despite Scialfa’s health challenges, she has continued to perform with the band when she is able and has shared that singing a few songs on stage is a treat for her. The E Street Band’s music and performances have left a lasting legacy in the music industry, and they have continued to captivate audiences worldwide.
Multiple myeloma is more common in individuals in their late 60s, men, Black people, and those with a family history of the disease. According to the Cleveland Clinic, between 42% and 82% of people diagnosed with multiple myeloma survive for four years or more. Treatment options for the disease vary depending on the individual’s health status and may include a combination of therapies such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and bone marrow transplant. While there is no cure for multiple myeloma, ongoing research and advancements in medical treatments continue to improve outcomes for patients with the disease.
In conclusion, the health challenges faced by Patti Scialfa and Bruce Springsteen highlight the resilience and determination of both musicians in the face of adversity. Despite battling multiple myeloma and other health issues, Scialfa and Springsteen have continued to make music and share their talents with audiences around the world. Their openness about their struggles with physical and mental health serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help and support when faced with challenging circumstances. The impact of their music on fans and the music industry as a whole is a testament to their enduring legacy as iconic rock musicians.
