Imagine experiencing debilitating pain, seeking help repeatedly, only to be turned away time and time again. This is the harrowing reality for Nothando Nhliziyo, a 22-year-old hairstylist from Leicester, England. After being dismissed by doctors four times, she resorted to a difficult choice – telling a lie – to finally get the medical attention she desperately needed, leading to a devastating diagnosis of stage 4 cancer.
A Year of Unbearable Pain, Ignored
Nhliziyo’s ordeal began about a year ago when she started experiencing excruciating, chronic back pain. Despite multiple visits to doctors between November 2024 and January 2025, she was repeatedly sent away with only pain medication, her symptoms seemingly not taken seriously. This lack of proper investigation meant her condition worsened significantly.
The cancer she was battling is angiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form that affects the lining of blood or lymph vessels. Nhliziyo explains on TikTok that this type of cancer can be insidious, often showing no symptoms until it’s far too late. By the time she finally received a diagnosis, the cancer had progressed to stage 4, a point where treatment options become limited and the prognosis is often grim.
The Lie That Led to Answers
Facing unbearable pain and growing desperation, Nhliziyo decided to tell doctors she had fallen down the stairs. This fabricated story finally prompted them to order the necessary scans. The imaging revealed multiple lesions in her spine and pelvis, along with a tumor on her left adrenal gland. Further tests confirmed the heartbreaking diagnosis: stage 4 angiosarcoma.
The news was devastating. Specialists informed her that due to the cancer’s location in her spine, treatment options were limited, and her prognosis was not favorable. She felt a profound lack of hope, with doctors initially focusing on palliative care, leaving her questioning if any treatment avenues were being explored.
Advocating for Health and Raising Awareness
Nhliziyo has since started a GoFundMe to help cover her medical expenses, travel, and living costs, as her life has drastically changed from running her own business and enjoying time with friends to battling a rare, aggressive cancer. She is also bravely documenting her health journey on social media, sharing updates on her treatments and speaking directly with followers.
- Advocate fiercely for your health.
- Don’t downplay your symptoms, no matter how small they seem.
- Push for answers from medical professionals.
- If necessary, consider exaggerating or lying to ensure proper tests are done.
Her message is clear: young people, and especially young Black patients who research shows are often dismissed, must be persistent. She urges everyone to take sudden lumps, unexplained pain, or bodily changes seriously. “It’s never a waste of the GP’s time,” she insists. “No matter what, do not downplay your own health, your symptoms, or how you feel.”
Have you or someone you know ever felt dismissed by medical professionals? What steps did you take to ensure you received proper care? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below.
