Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Our free email updates are the best way to get headlines direct to your inbox Something went wrong, please try again later. Our free email updates are the best way to get headlines direct to your inbox Cancer symptoms can often be hard to identify. They don't always present themselves in a clear manner, and it's not uncommon for individuals to dismiss the warning signs, thinking they're overreacting. However, a young woman has highlighted the importance of seeking medical advice. Evie, 19, was experiencing symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma but didn't realise the severity of her situation. Hodgkin lymphoma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, a network of vessels and glands spread throughout the body, according to the NHS. While Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, can affect people of any age, it primarily targets those between 20 and 40 years old. Each year, around 2,100 people in the UK are diagnosed with this disease. The most common symptom is a painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin area. However, Evie had several other symptoms which she initially "dismissed" before being diagnosed, reports the Mirror. She's now eager to "share her experience to hopefully show some awareness around Lymphoma". Fatigue. One symptom that Evie noticed was extreme fatigue; she found herself needing "at least one nap" daily to get through the day. On her TikTok account @evieskill, she mentioned being "always exhausted despite sleeping well". (Image: Getty Images) Regularly unwell. Furthermore, Evie frequently fell ill over several months, which she initially didn't "take too much notice" of, assuming it was just a common cold. She disclosed: "It was consistent for six months before I realised I had been unwell for so long. I had a sore throat/cough for months". Dealing with persistently dry and itchy skin, she resorted to using copious amounts of body lotion due to constant dehydration of the skin, resulting in extreme irritation. Concerningly, Evie's weight would "really quickly" increase and then just as rapidly decrease, despite no changes to her diet or lifestyle. Adding to her woes, she faced regular bouts of vomiting, particularly in the mornings after meals, a symptom she initially chalked up to "anxiety for a while". Surprisingly, she also observed a reduced tolerance for alcohol and recalled: "I apologise to my friends for this one. I was extremely drunk after one drink and constantly blacking out on every night out. I didn't realise this is a common symptom of Lymphoma." A turning point came in August 2024 when Evie noticed a grape-sized lump on her neck, visible only when she coughed – a revelation that led her to consult with her GP. She concluded: "This is what made me see my GP and start wondering what was actually wrong with me." Evie, who battled frequent infections, recounted her harrowing experience: "I had a new throat or chest infection pretty much every week. My immune system was so weak I would pick up any bug so easily. "I was repeatedly given antibiotics and turned away at the GP, them saying it was just teenage stress and hormones." It took persistence for Evie to be diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma after she finally convinced healthcare professionals to carry out an ultrasound on her throat lump. Evie opened up about her battle, highlighting her determination in securing a diagnosis: "My bloods showed up pretty much clean, just with some raised white blood cell count, I pushed for an ultrasound on the lump on my throat and then a CT scan which was what finally diagnosed me." On her TikTok, Evie further expressed how vital it is for patients to advocate for themselves: "Me and my mum really just pushed every time they wanted to give more antibiotics because I knew it was more than that. You really have to advocate for yourself in the current healthcare system." She detailed her journey towards diagnosis, adding, "I had an ultrasound, 2 CT scans, 1 PET scan and a biopsy before I got my final diagnosis." After beginning her treatment in March, Evie remains hopeful of conquering cancer by June. Signs of Hodgkin lymphoma are also highlighted. The NHS points out several symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma, with the main sign being swelling in the neck, armpit or groin. This usually necessitates a visit to the doctor, although cancer may not always be the cause. It's crucial to seek advice from a GP if these signs of Hodgkin lymphoma continue, especially if you have persistent swollen glands without any other symptoms. If you observe any of these symptoms, get in touch with your GP.