What Paul Reubens' Story Can Help Us Understand About Acute Myeloid Leukemia

In the news

Paul Reubens, the actor, writer, and comedian best known as Pee-wee Herman, died in July 2023 at age 70. He had kept his illness private for years, and a message shared after his death said he had been facing cancer. Reporting on his death certificate later indicated that his cancer battle included acute myeloid leukemia and that he had also been diagnosed with cancer that had spread to his lungs.

That is what has been publicly reported. We remember him with respect and do not speculate beyond what was shared.

The reality

According to the National Cancer Institute, leukemia is a broad term for cancers of the blood cells. The type depends on which blood cell becomes cancer and whether the disease grows quickly or slowly. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), also called acute myelogenous leukemia, is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow in which the bone marrow makes a large number of abnormal blood cells. NCI notes that AML is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults and usually worsens quickly if it is not treated.

The bone marrow normally makes blood stem cells that mature into red blood cells, which carry oxygen; white blood cells, which help fight infection; and platelets, which help stop bleeding. In AML, this process is disrupted. NCI lists possible signs and symptoms such as fever, feeling tired, and easy bruising or bleeding, and explains that tests of the blood and bone marrow are used to make the diagnosis.

What the story gets right — and what to remember

Mr. Reubens chose to keep his diagnosis private, which is every person's right. His story is a reminder that we only ever know what someone decides to share, and that a person can carry a serious illness quietly while still bringing joy to others. Every person's situation is different, and one experience is not a prediction for anyone else.

Awareness, screening & prevention

NCI states that it does not have PDQ evidence-based information about screening or prevention for leukemia. There is no routine screening test for it in people at average risk. NCI does note that smoking, previous chemotherapy, and exposure to radiation may increase the risk of AML. Because there is no screening program for leukemia, it is worth bringing persistent, unexplained symptoms — such as ongoing fatigue, fever, or easy bruising — to a healthcare professional. If you would like a calm overview of the screenings recommended for your age and history, our free screening check-up tool is a gentle starting point, and anyone thinking about tobacco can find help through quitting smoking.

Turning a story into something useful

Remembering someone through learning is a gentle way to honor their story. Understanding what acute myeloid leukemia is, knowing how it is diagnosed, and recognizing that emotional support is part of care are calm, useful takeaways. Supporting free, trustworthy cancer education helps make that information available to others.

Questions to ask a healthcare team

• Which type of leukemia is being discussed, and does it tend to grow quickly or slowly?
• What tests of the blood and bone marrow help confirm the diagnosis?
• What are the goals of the treatment options you are describing?
• What emotional and practical support is available for me and my family?