Stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed after delayed care

A UK woman delayed medical care for several symptoms for more than a year, later diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma.

Delay in seeking care leads to stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma

A UK woman, Marlene, delayed seeking care for more than a year after experiencing unexplained weight loss, night sweats, itchy skin and a constant chest pressure with a cough. She said grief after her father’s death and anxiety made her dismiss the signs. Blood tests showed high inflammation, and doctors scanned her lungs for an infection. A PET scan and three bronchoscopies confirmed Hodgkin lymphoma, later staged at 4. Cancer Research UK explains that stage 4 means the cancer is in lymph nodes and at least one extranodal site. Marlene has shared her journey on TikTok to urge others not to ignore warning signs. In the UK, more than 400,000 cancer diagnoses occur each year, underscoring how symptoms can resemble common illnesses.

Grief and stress can mask serious illness, and this case shows how delays in seeking care can let disease progress. The story also shows the power and risk of social media as a health tool: it can educate and empow­er people, but it can also spread fear or misinformation. Health systems should offer clear guidance on when to seek care and ensure quick access to tests. Hodgkin lymphoma has a broad set of symptoms, which complicates early detection yet makes public awareness crucial.

Highlights

Public health messages should empower people to act quickly without fear