Though people around her tried to offer comfort, she said nothing—only wept uncontrollably, her hands trembling.
Recently, a short but powerful video has gone viral on social media. It shows a 23-year-old girl sitting quietly in the hallway of Lac Viet Hospital after receiving devastating news: she had been diagnosed with stage 3 leukemia. Tears streamed down her face as her hands shook uncontrollably. Despite gentle questions from bystanders, she remained silent, unable to speak through her grief.
At just 23, her life should be filled with energy, dreams, and hope. Instead, leukemia has taken away her joy, leaving her in shock and despair. The image of her sitting alone in the hospital corridor has touched the hearts of millions, becoming a symbol of the silent suffering that cancer inflicts—not only on patients but also on their families and communities.
Since its release, the video has sparked an outpouring of sympathy and support for the young woman. More importantly, it has served as a stark reminder to the public: we must not ignore our health, and we must take cancer prevention seriously.
What Is Leukemia?
Leukemia, commonly referred to as blood cancer, is a malignant disease of the blood and bone marrow. It occurs when abnormal blood cells—usually white blood cells—multiply uncontrollably, crowding out normal cells. This weakens the body’s ability to:
- Fight infections
- Transport oxygen
- Control bleeding
The Three Main Types of Blood Cancer:
- Leukemia – Begins in the bone marrow. Abnormal white blood cells grow rapidly and interfere with normal blood cell production.
- Lymphoma – Affects the lymphatic system (lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, etc.) and occurs when lymphocytes grow uncontrollably.
- Multiple Myeloma – A cancer of plasma cells that produce antibodies. Malignant plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow, damaging bones and suppressing normal blood cell production.
In Vietnam, blood cancer is one of the ten most common cancers. According to Globocan 2020, it ranks 7th, with nearly 6,300 new cases diagnosed annually. At the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion alone, around 1,500 new cases are recorded each year.
Warning Signs of Leukemia
Early detection is crucial. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent fatigue and pale skin – caused by anemia
- Easy bruising or bleeding – due to low platelet count
- Bone and joint pain – especially in the back and legs
- Frequent headaches – linked to poor oxygen supply to the brain
- Swollen lymph nodes – in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Abdominal pain and appetite loss – from cancerous spread
- High fever and infections – as the immune system weakens
- Unexplained weight loss – from cancer cells consuming nutrients
- Night sweats – sudden and excessive sweating during sleep
A Wake-Up Call for the Young
The 23-year-old girl in the viral clip should be living one of the brightest chapters of her life. Instead, she is battling an illness most people associate with old age. Her story is a heartbreaking reminder that cancer does not discriminate by age.
Young people often assume serious illnesses won’t affect them, but leukemia and other cancers can strike anyone. That’s why it is essential to build healthy habits early: regular check-ups, balanced nutrition, exercise, and awareness of warning signs.
Final Thought
The silent tears of this young woman have spoken louder than words. Her suffering has moved millions, reminding us all that health is fragile and precious. If there is one lesson from this heartbreaking story, it is this: take care of your body today, because tomorrow may be too late.
