A stage 4 cancer diagnosis is something no one ever expects—and no one ever wants. While regular medical checkups matter, many serious illnesses are first flagged by something much simpler: paying attention to your own body. Small, easily dismissed changes can sometimes be early warning signs, especially when they persist.
UK-based content creator Georgie Swallow is now using her platform to raise awareness about Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which plays a key role in immune health. Diagnosed at just 28, Georgie says her biggest regret wasn’t missing appointments—it was ignoring symptoms she believed were caused by stress and exhaustion.
At the time, she felt going to the doctor would be “wasting everyone’s time.” Even when she noticed a lump on the side of her neck, she didn’t think it could be serious.
Now 32, Georgie openly shares how cancer affected not only her physical health but her mental and emotional wellbeing as well. She highlights three symptoms she brushed off for months: persistent itching, night sweats, and overwhelming fatigue.
“I would itch until I broke the skin, sometimes staying awake all night,” she explained. Doctors initially suspected stress, allergies, or skin conditions—but nothing helped. During that same period, she was also losing weight, battling frequent illnesses, and feeling constantly drained. She assumed she was simply overworked.
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