In the UK, an estimated 3.5 million people are living with cancer. A young woman named Hannah was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer after experiencing four symptoms which were ‘ignored’
A young woman has opened up about her battle with stage 4 cancer, revealing the four symptoms she endured which were initially “ignored”. Despite repeatedly visiting her doctors for almost a year, her concerns were initially dismissed.
In the UK, an estimated 3.5 million people are living with cancer, with a variety of minor signs often indicating the presence of the disease. It’s vital to seek medical advice immediately if you’re worried about your health – early detection is key to effectively treating cancer.
Macmillan Cancer Support states: “On average someone is diagnosed with cancer at least every 90 seconds in the UK. Each year, around 167,000 people die from cancer in the UK, an average of 460 people every day.”
Hannah, who has amassed a decent social media following thanks her travel adventures with her husband Charlie, found out in 2021 she had a 12cm tumour on her spine after a gruelling eight-month pursuit for answers.
Through a widely-viewed TikTok video, Hannah shared her journey, explaining the ordeal she faced before her diagnosis.
She claimed: “So I was medically gas-lit for over eight months which led to a late diagnosis of stage 4 cancer so no, me and my GP are not the best of friends.”
Hannah suffered with four persistent symptoms as a result of her cancer, though she didn’t specify which kind of cancer she was diagnosed with. Her symptoms were:
- A persistent cough
- A full body rash
- Severe tiredness
- Mysterious weight loss
Hannah continued: “In July of 2021, I had a cough, a fully body rash, extreme fatigue and I lost a load of weight which I thought was a total slay at the time.
“I was told to take antibiotics and come back if it doesn’t help – spoiler alert, it didn’t. I was refused an in person appointment – pretty sure if there was a ‘hypochondriac button’ on their computer, they clicked it.”
Without naming the specific GP, Hannah detailed how she “called repeatedly with worsening symptoms” and was advised to see a pharmacist for paracetamol, a suggestion that proved futile against the 12cm tumour “pushing” on her spine.
During a winter ski trip that same year, she contracted pneumonia due to the pressure the tumour exerted on her chest, initially dismissing treatment because she felt she should “push through”.
However, when her chest pains became “unbearable”, Hannah ended up in A&E with what was suspected to be a heart attack. Struggling to breathe and “clutching [her] chest”, she claimed the receptionist dismissed her condition as period pains.
Hannah said: “If that doesn’t just scream ‘misogyny’, I don’t know what does.”
Thankfully, an observant nurse noticed her distress in the waiting room and expedited her care.
This swift action led to the discovery of sepsis and an X-ray which showed a “massive shadow” around her spine.
A junior doctor’s instinct that something “wasn’t right” with her X-ray led to a vital CT scan and the discovery that Hannah was suffering from stage 4 cancer.
Hannah praised the “hospital care after diagnosis”, calling it “absolutely amazing” following her intensive treatment regime which included eight months of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and participation in a clinical trial.
In the caption alongside her video, she added: “By the time anyone listened, it was stage 4 cancer. Eight months of chemo later, I’m still here. But it never should have got that far.
“This is your reminder to fight for answers. If they won’t give you a test, ask them to write it in your notes. It might save your life”.
The NHS advises that while many cancer symptoms are “very common and can be caused by other conditions”, it’s still crucial to get a check-up. It notes: “Having these symptoms does not definitely mean you have cancer, but it’s important to get checked by a GP.
“If your symptoms are caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it’s easier to treat.”