Young Woman Shares Three Overlooked C@ncer Symptoms Before Stage 4 Diagnosis

Georgie Swallow was diagnosed with stage four cancer(Image: Georgie Swallow/Cover Images)

Georgie Swallow, a 32-year-old content creator from London, reflects on three key symptoms she initially dismissed before being diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma in her twenties.

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The Symptoms

1. Persistent Exhaustion
   Swallow said, “I was finding my feet with life and work and relationships and starting to feel like I was building my future. I was very active, social and always on the go.” Despite her busy lifestyle, she began to experience constant fatigue, which she initially thought was normal.

2. Night Sweats and Frequent Illnesses
   She explained, “During this time I was losing weight, having night sweats, constantly exhausted and a never-ending stream of colds and flus but I just thought I was on the go too much and wearing myself out.” These recurring symptoms were overlooked as signs of a demanding lifestyle.

3. Severe Itching
   “The most prominent symptom that took me to the doctors multiple times was my incredibly itchy legs. I would itch until I broke the skin which would keep me up all night. I went to the doctor and they thought it could be stress, allergies or urticaria but no cream or lifestyle change would make it go,” Swallow recalled. This persistent symptom was misdiagnosed and not initially linked to a serious condition.

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Diagnosis and Treatment

After experiencing a severe bout of flu, Swallow discovered a lump on her neck, which led to further medical examination. She was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma. The treatment caused her to experience early menopause, which she described as “like being hit by a bus,” emphasizing the emotional and physical challenges.

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Advocacy and Awareness

Now, Georgie Swallow works with organizations to raise awareness about early cancer symptoms and stresses the importance of consulting a healthcare professional promptly. She encourages people, especially young women, to trust their instincts and seek medical advice when noticing unusual symptoms.

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Biography

Georgie Swallow is a 32-year-old content creator based in London. After her stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis in her twenties, she has become a vocal advocate for cancer awareness, emphasizing early detection and self-advocacy in healthcare.