Fitness trainer reveals how this embarrassing symptom led to a shocking cancer diagnosis at 25

At just 25 years old, Dilan Patel, a fitness trainer from East London, began waking up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat. Initially dismissing it as being too warm, he soon realized something was amiss when these night sweats persisted and became coupled with severe itching and noticeable lumps on his neck. His journey to uncover these symptoms led to a devastating diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare type of blood cancer.

Patel’s experience, detailed in a TikTok video viewed by nearly 200,000 people, serves as a stark warning of the often-overlooked symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma. This rare blood cancer develops in a network of vessels and glands throughout the body, and is diagnosed in less than one per cent of all cancer cases. However, with approximately six Brits receiving this diagnosis daily, the disease is far from negligible.

@dnafitnessukYou won’t believe it… I was 25 years old, living my life like any other young adult – working hard, working out, hanging with friends, and trying to figure out my future. Life felt normal. I had no reason to think anything was wrong. But then something strange started happening. I’d wake up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat. I mean SOAKED. My clothes, my bed – everything would be wet. It happened 2-3 times every single night. At first, I just thought, ‘Maybe I’m getting too hot under the covers?’ So I brushed it off. Weeks turned into months, and the night sweats didn’t stop. Looking back now, there were other signs, too. I was exhausted all the time, but I just thought it was because I was working long hours. My skin was unbelievably itchy – so much so that I carried lotion around with me everywhere, convinced it was just dry skin. I even noticed lumps on my neck, but I thought they were my muscles growing from all my workouts at the gym. Everything had an explanation – or so I thought. But eventually, I started feeling worse so I went to the doctor. Nothing could’ve prepared me for what they told me. At just 25 years old, I was diagnosed with Stage 4B Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Five tumours. It had even spread to my lung. I couldn’t believe it. I’d spent so long brushing off my symptoms, convincing myself they weren’t a big deal. But my body had been screaming at me for almost 2 years. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this experience, it’s to pay attention to your body. Those little signs and symptoms? They’re there for a reason. Don’t wait until it’s too late.♬ som original – LK Nostalgia

In Patel’s case, it took two years for him to seek medical help after the symptoms became unbearable. The diagnosis revealed five tumours, including one in his lung. This indicated that the cancer had reached stage 4 – the most serious stage where most patients are considered incurable.

Yet, Hodgkin lymphoma, despite being aggressive and having the capacity to spread rapidly, is also considered highly treatable. Patients often undergo chemotherapy, sometimes combined with radiotherapy. Approximately three quarters of patients are expected to be alive a decade after their diagnosis. However, the disease still results in just over 300 deaths in Britain each year.

Survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma can face a range of health issues even after successful cancer treatment. They have an increased risk of developing other blood cancers like leukaemia and are more prone to cardiovascular and lung diseases.

In recent years there has been a notable increase in cases of the disease – around 38 per cent since the 90s. The rise is most significant in Brits over the age of 70, but there has also been a 21 per cent increase among younger adults.

Hodgkin lymphoma primarily affects people between ages 20 to 40 and those aged 75 and over. Men are slightly more at risk than women. The disease develops in infection-fighting white blood cells called lymphocytes which turn abnormal and cause lumps in the lymph nodes in the neck, armpit and groin.

Common symptoms include night sweats, persistent itching, unintentional weight loss, high temperature and a persistent cough. Infections like the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes glandular fever, are a known risk factor. In fact, 40 per cent of Hodgkin lymphoma cases are attributed to this virus.

Patel’s advice to anyone experiencing persistent symptoms is straightforward: don’t ignore them. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this experience, it’s to pay attention to your body,” he said. “Those little signs and symptoms? They’re there for a reason. Don’t wait until it’s too late.”

The upward trend in Hodgkin lymphoma cases, up 38 per cent since the ’90s, mirrors a broader global trend. According to Cancer Research UK, this increase is most prominent in those over the age of 70, but it’s also noteworthy that cases have risen by 21 per cent among younger adults. This suggests that age is not the sole factor in developing this disease and underscores the importance of being aware of potential symptoms, no matter your age or fitness level.

The case of Dilan Patel, a seemingly healthy 25-year-old fitness trainer with an active lifestyle, serves as a poignant illustration. His initial dismissal of symptoms like night sweats and severe itching mirrors a common tendency to overlook health issues until they become severe. Patel’s experience underlines the importance of paying attention to persistent, unusual bodily changes and seeking timely medical help.

Interestingly, Hodgkin lymphoma is also linked to infections like the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes glandular fever. This highlights the fact that our immune system’s response to viral infections can sometimes go awry, leading to cancers like Hodgkin lymphoma. It’s estimated that two out of five cases of Hodgkin lymphoma can be traced back to an Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Despite its aggressive nature and ability to spread rapidly, Hodgkin lymphoma is considered highly treatable with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This offers some hope for those diagnosed. However, it’s worth noting that survivors may face other health issues post-treatment, including an increased risk of other blood cancers and cardiovascular diseases.

In essence, Patel’s journey serves as both a cautionary tale about early detection and a testament to the resilience and adaptability of those diagnosed with cancer. His advice echoes a fundamental principle in health care – listening to one’s body and seeking help when something feels off. In an era where health information is readily available online, his story serves as a reminder that nothing can replace professional medical advice.

Patel’s story raises important questions about our understanding and perception of health. How often do we dismiss seemingly insignificant symptoms? And how can we better educate people on the early signs of diseases like Hodgkin lymphoma, especially when they occur in young, otherwise healthy individuals?

This case underscores the need for enhanced public health awareness campaigns that stress the importance of early detection and intervention, particularly for diseases like Hodgkin lymphoma that are treatable when caught early. Despite advancements in medical technology, the first line of detection often remains our own bodies.

Patel’s experience is a stark reminder that paying attention to our bodies can sometimes mean the difference between life and death. It emphasizes the value of medical professionals in diagnosing conditions that we might brush off as mundane or irrelevant.

As we move forward, let this be a call to action for everyone to be more attuned to their health and wellness. After all, early detection is not just about surviving; it’s about preserving the quality of life. In Patel’s words, “Don’t wait until it’s too late.” It’s a message that resonates beyond his personal journey, serving as a crucial reminder for us all.

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Tina Fey

I've ridden the rails, gone off track and lost my train of thought. I'm writing to try and find it again. Hope you enjoy the journey with me.

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