Woman’s Back Pain Misdiagnosed as ‘Meat Sweats’ Revealed as Cancer

A 23-year-old woman from West Yorkshire faced a harrowing battle for a proper diagnosis after being misdiagnosed with “meat sweats.” Leah Kalkan experienced severe back pain that radiated into her legs, which doctors initially attributed to various causes, including sciatica and a possible herniated disc. It was only after enduring significant discomfort for nearly two years that Leah learned she had a grapefruit-sized tumour in her spine, ultimately diagnosed as Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Leah’s ordeal began in late 2021 during a family holiday in Turkey. She reported excruciating lower back pain that made walking, sitting, and even lying down unbearable. “I spent a lot of time in my hotel room as I was in so much pain,” Leah recalled. Despite taking painkillers, including paracetamol, the discomfort persisted, leading her to seek medical help upon returning to the UK.

Initially, Leah’s general practitioner suggested sciatica, but further tests, including an MRI, did not reveal the full extent of her condition. Instead, she was given additional medication to manage the pain. An osteopath later informed her that she had a damaged tailbone, but this still did not address the underlying issue.

As her symptoms worsened, Leah was working as a waitress when the pain became intolerable, prompting her to call for an ambulance. “The paramedics told me I just had ‘meat sweats’,” Leah said, frustrated by their dismissive approach. “They didn’t spend much time with me and expected me to go back to work.”

In October 2023, Leah noticed a hard lump around the size of a grapefruit on her back. Along with significant weight loss and extreme fatigue, she felt compelled to advocate for herself in seeking medical attention. “I carried on going back to the doctors a few times a month,” she explained. “I knew something was wrong with my body.”

Despite multiple visits and long waits at local emergency departments, Leah left with painkillers but no resolution. An ultrasound did not locate the source of her pain, and she faced additional refusals for scans. Frustrated by the lack of answers, Leah’s boyfriend arranged for a trip to Greece, where MRIs and an X-ray finally revealed abnormalities. This led to a biopsy and ultimately her diagnosis through the NHS in December 2023.

“It was devastating to learn that I had a rare and aggressive cancer,” Leah shared. “I asked my consultant multiple times, ‘Will I be cured?’ but she couldn’t give me a definitive answer.”

Leah underwent a rigorous treatment regime, which included 14 cycles of chemotherapy and 33 sessions of proton beam therapy. Throughout her treatment, she received support from the Teenage Cancer Trust, an organization dedicated to aiding young people with cancer. “All of the nurses were so sweet and kind,” Leah said, reflecting on their positive impact. “I looked forward to seeing them, and they made me feel comfortable.”

After her treatment concluded in July 2024, Leah returned to her studies in modern languages and English with French. She emphasized the importance of self-advocacy when it comes to health issues. “If I could go back in time, I would have kept pushing for a diagnosis,” she remarked. “Any lump should be alarming, and I believe GPs need to educate themselves on the signs of cancer in young people.”

Leah is now sharing her story to raise awareness and funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust, which is partnering with the Omaze Million Pound House Draw. The initiative offers an opportunity to win a furnished home in the New Forest, along with £500,000 in cash. Proceeds from the draw will support approximately 7,000 young people with cancer each year.

Reflecting on her journey, Leah hopes her experience will inspire others to trust their instincts and advocate for their health. “I wasn’t alone in my fight, and that made all the difference,” she concluded.