Woman in Her 20s Shares Three Cancer Symptoms She Ignored Before Getting a Stage Four Diagnosis
32-year-old Brit urges others to be aware of potential cancer symptoms and get checked out early
Georgie Swallow, a 32-year-old British content creator, is sharing her personal story to raise awareness about the symptoms of cancer, especially among young people. After receiving a stage four cancer diagnosis, Swallow revealed that she had ignored several warning signs in her twenties, which she initially brushed off as mere fatigue or stress.
Swallow was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma at the age of 28. Reflecting on her journey, she emphasized the importance of paying attention to certain health symptoms and not dismissing them as just temporary issues. Her goal is to encourage others to get checked out early, especially when they experience any of the symptoms she overlooked.
Three Key Symptoms That Went Ignored
- Exhaustion
Swallow admits that she was living a fast-paced life filled with work, relationships, and social activities. She felt like she was finally getting a grip on life. “I was very active, social, and always on the go,” she explained. However, this hectic lifestyle took a toll on her body, leading to extreme exhaustion and a breakdown in her health. - Night Sweats
“During this time, I was losing weight, having night sweats, constantly exhausted, and suffering from a never-ending stream of colds and flus,” Swallow recalled. Despite these alarming symptoms, she thought she was simply overworked and tired. It wasn’t until much later that she realized these were potential signs of something more serious. - Itchy Legs
Perhaps the most frustrating symptom, according to Swallow, was the intense itching in her legs. “I would itch until I broke the skin, and it kept me up all night,” she said. She visited her doctor multiple times, but the cause was dismissed as stress, allergies, or urticaria. No medication or lifestyle change seemed to alleviate the itching.
The Moment That Changed Everything
After battling what she thought was a serious flu for a couple of weeks, Swallow noticed a peach-sized lump on the side of her neck while at work. “I went into the office and while sitting at my desk, I discovered it,” she said. Although she initially dismissed it, thinking nothing serious could be wrong, she eventually sought medical help. It was then that she received the devastating news that she had stage four Hodgkin lymphoma.
Swallow explained that she was reluctant to see the doctor, worrying that she would be “wasting everyone’s time.” She now understands that the symptoms of lymphoma are often subtle and easy to brush off. “This is why lymphoma is diagnosed so late,” she said. “The symptoms can easily be mistaken for something else.”
The Impact of Early Menopause and Mental Health Struggles
Due to her cancer treatment, Swallow went into early menopause, which she described as feeling like “being hit by a bus.” The emotional and physical toll of losing her fertility at such a young age was difficult, especially as she hadn’t had the chance to start a family. “At 28, I didn’t have anyone my age to talk to about it,” Swallow said. “None of my friends understood what I was going through.”
She emphasized that menopause, especially when it occurs early, can be challenging at any age. Swallow also noted the importance of mental health during such transitions and encouraged women to speak up about their experiences. “It’s hard to comfort someone when you don’t fully understand what they’re going through,” she added.
Raising Awareness and Partnering for Change
Swallow is now working in partnership with Boots and Macmillan Cancer Support to raise awareness about early menopause caused by cancer treatment. She is also advocating for more open conversations about menopause, encouraging women to be informed and seek support if they are experiencing early menopause or other health concerns related to cancer treatment.
By sharing her story, Swallow hopes to inspire others to pay closer attention to their bodies and seek medical advice when they notice symptoms that could point to something serious. Early detection can make a world of difference in the treatment and outcome of cancer.
