She Felt Pain After One Sip of Alcohol—It Was Cancer
A young Canadian woman, Hanna Bordage, has shared her journey of being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma at just 19 years old, highlighting an unusual symptom that many people might overlook. She noticed that every time she consumed alcohol, she developed sharp neck and shoulder pain within minutes. This uncommon sign, along with other subtle symptoms, eventually led to her cancer diagnosis.
Early Warning Signs Many People Miss
Hanna recalled experiencing chronic neck pain for months, often brushing it off as muscle strain or the result of changing environments. She also suffered from night sweats, which she assumed were due to her dorm room being warmer than her childhood home.
However, what truly stood out was the connection between alcohol and pain. “I would take a sip of alcohol, and within five to ten minutes, I’d feel aching pains in my neck and shoulder,” she explained.
According to the American Cancer Society, painful or swollen lymph nodes after alcohol consumption can sometimes be an early warning sign of Hodgkin lymphoma, along with fatigue, fever, and night sweats.
A Soccer Injury Led to the Discovery
Interestingly, Hanna’s diagnosis came about by chance. After a head injury during soccer practice, she went to a doctor to rule out a concussion. During routine tests, physicians detected a heart murmur, prompting additional scans and imaging.
These tests revealed a 12-centimetre tumour near her heart, initially raising concerns about blood cancer. After a biopsy, doctors confirmed it was late-stage Hodgkin lymphoma.
Facing Treatment at 19
Hanna was told she would need 12 rounds of chemotherapy, and if that failed, radiation therapy would follow. She recalled the difficult conversation: “They told me, you could die or you could live. That moment completely changed my perspective.”
Determined to stay hopeful, she began sharing her story online to spread awareness. “I wanted people to know you can face terrifying things that shake your entire world, but remain positive and optimistic,” she said.
Life After Treatment
After six months of chemotherapy, Hanna completed her treatment and recently celebrated her two-year ‘cancer anniversary’, a term survivors use to mark the anniversary of their diagnosis or remission.
Her story emphasises the importance of paying attention to unusual body signals, especially persistent pain, night sweats, or unexplained reactions to alcohol.
Conclusion
Hodgkin lymphoma can present with symptoms that are easily mistaken for everyday issues like neck pain, fatigue, or sweating at night. However, as Hanna’s case shows, even rare signs such as neck pain after drinking alcohol should not be ignored. Early recognition and timely medical evaluation can make all the difference.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 3 September 2025
- 22:00
