A woman battling the UK’s most common cancer urges others to listen to their bodies after sharing the signs she overlooked, including extreme fatigue and unexplained weight loss.

A woman living with stage four breast cancer has shared the symptoms she dismissed before receiving her life-changing diagnosis. The UK‘s most common cancer, breast cancer, affects approximately 15% of new cases in women each year, yet many still overlook the early signs that could signal the onset of the disease.

Kristi, who frequently updates her followers on TikTok about her journey with breast cancer, opened up about her experience in a heartfelt video. She emphasised the importance of advocating for one’s health, saying, “If you have these symptoms, too, it does NOT mean that you also have breast cancer, but please talk to your physician and advocate for yourself!” Her message serves as a poignant reminder for others to listen to their bodies and seek medical advice if something feels wrong.

Before her diagnosis, Kristi, like many others, overlooked the early warning signs. One of the first symptoms she experienced was severe fatigue, something that is often associated with a range of health issues. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “extreme fatigue that doesn’t get better with rest” can be an early warning sign of several cancers, including breast cancer. This persistent exhaustion occurs because cancer cells consume the body’s nutrients to fuel their growth, depriving the body of vital energy.

Another symptom Kristi noticed was weight loss, despite struggling with constant sugar cravings. This unusual combination can be a red flag for various types of cancer. Stamford Health explains that cancer-related weight loss can happen for several reasons, such as nausea, loss of appetite, or difficulties with chewing or swallowing, all of which can decrease food intake. For Kristi, the weight loss, paired with the overwhelming sugar cravings, seemed like an odd occurrence but wasn’t immediately connected to cancer. Research suggests that certain cancers can alter eating behaviours, with the National Institute of Health linking conditions like food cravings or even food addiction to some types of cancer.

In addition to fatigue and weight loss, Kristi noticed other unexplained changes in her body. The subtle shifts, which at first appeared unrelated, eventually culminated in her diagnosis of stage four breast cancer, a grim reminder of how easily symptoms can be ignored or misattributed. Kristi’s story highlights an important lesson: being in tune with your body and advocating for proper medical attention could save lives.

Breast cancer, while most commonly diagnosed in women, can also affect men. Approximately 1% of breast cancer cases are found in men, demonstrating that the disease doesn’t discriminate. With breast cancer being the most prevalent cancer in the UK, affecting thousands each year, Kristi’s brave decision to share her story will hopefully encourage others to be more aware of the warning signs and seek help when necessary.

While Kristi’s journey is one of immense difficulty, her openness serves as a crucial tool for awareness. Through her TikTok videos, she aims to inspire others to look out for the signs she ignored and seek early intervention. By doing so, she hopes to help others avoid the devastating effects of late-stage cancer diagnoses. As cancer affects so many lives, the importance of early detection and listening to one’s body has never been clearer.

With her story making waves across social media, Kristi is not only raising awareness about breast cancer but also providing hope for others facing similar battles. For her, speaking out about the symptoms she missed is a way to turn her experience into a powerful call to action. Early detection remains one of the most effective ways to improve cancer survival rates, and Kristi’s experience serves as a poignant reminder that no symptom should be ignored.