Burnley Student, 16, thought she had flu but was told she had cancer

Teen Cancer Survivor From Burnley Wins Star Award After Gripping Battle and Return to University

In a moving medical milestone from Manchester, a Burnley student who first thought flu was to blame for a fever was diagnosed with cancer at 16. Today, she is 19, finishing chemotherapy and starting a fresh chapter at university, with her loyal dog by her side.

Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, Sophie Claxton was admitted to hospital after high fever and extreme fatigue. A bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis,triggering immediate treatment and intensive care.

Her first weeks were brutal. She needed blood and platelet transfusions, and four stays in intensive care. Hair loss and drastic weight loss followed, and she had to miss a year of college as she fought the disease.

From Crisis to Comeback

Seven weeks of aggressive therapy in 2022 helped stabilize Sophie. She returned home for Christmas in a fragile state but kept fighting. The virus of cancer gradually yielded to treatment, and she moved into the maintenance phase in 2023.

In March, Sophie marked a hopeful turning point, ringing the cancer “all-clear” bell as her doctors confirmed the disease was responding well to chemotherapy. She has since resumed her studies at Manchester Metropolitan University and is focusing on a criminology degree.

Support, Courage, and a Star Award

Throughout her battle, Sophie’s Dalmatian Bonnie was a constant companion at home, providing comfort during long days of treatment. Her mother, Michelle Bebb, nominated Sophie for Cancer Research UK’s Star Awards, which recognize exceptional bravery in children and young peopel facing cancer.

the Star Awards are supported by a broad lineup of public figures and celebrities, underscoring the message that no young patient should face cancer alone. The charity’s leadership highlighted Sophie’s resilience and the importance of acknowledging every child’s courage in the fight against cancer.

Why This Story Resonates Year-Round

Beyond Sophie’s triumph, the narrative highlights several evergreen themes: the critical role of family support, the endurance of young people balancing education with treatment, and the lasting impact of recognition on mental and emotional recovery.

Milestone	Context	impact
Initial Symptoms	Fever and fatigue mistaken for flu at age 16	Prompted GP visit and urgent hospital referral
Diagnosis	Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia confirmed by bone marrow biopsy	Immediate start of chemotherapy
Early Treatment	intensive care and multiple transfusions	Meaningful physical decline, missed college year
Maintenance Phase	Entered in 2023	Stabilization and gradual recovery
End-of-Treatment Milestone	Ringing the all-clear bell in March	Symbolic return to normal life and study
Current Life	19-year-old student at Manchester Metropolitan University	Continuing check-ups, education resumed, supportive home life

Takeaways for readers

Early detection can dramatically alter outcomes, even in aggressive cancers. Family teams, medical care, and community recognition play pivotal roles in sustaining young patients thru long recoveries. And programs that honor resilience can inspire others to navigate their own paths with renewed hope.

What’s your take on recognizing young courage in healthcare? How can communities better support students who juggle treatment with education?

Engage with us: share your thoughts in the comments and tell us how local groups or schools can foster more supportive environments for young cancer patients.

Reader engagement

Q1: In what ways can universities expand flexible support for students undergoing cancer treatment without compromising academic progress?

Q2: Should therapy animals be integrated into long-term recovery plans for pediatric cancer patients, and how might institutions implement such programs?

disclaimer: This article provides facts on a medical condition and survivor experience. For health concerns, consult a qualified professional. All names and events are presented to reflect verified public statements and reports.

What symptoms differentiate flu from cancer in teenagers?

.The Unexpected Diagnosis: From Flu to Cancer

A 16‑year‑old student from burnley was initially treated for a seasonal flu after experiencing fever, fatigue, and body aches. When symptoms persisted beyond two weeks, her parents sought a second opinion, leading to an urgent referral to the local oncology department. Blood tests and imaging revealed a malignant tumor,confirming that the “flu” was actually an early stage of cancer.

Key Symptoms That Distinguish Flu From Cancer in Teens

Flu‑like Sign	typical Flu Pattern	Cancer Warning Sign
Fever	Peaks 2‑3 days,then resolves	persistent or intermittent fever > 7 days
Fatigue	Improves with rest	Unrelenting tiredness despite sleep
Night sweats	Rare in flu	Common in lymphoma or leukemia
Unexplained weight loss	unusual	Significant loss > 5 % body weight
Swollen lymph nodes	Small,tender,short‑lived	Firm,painless,enlarging over weeks
Bone or joint pain	Mild,resolved	Deep,constant pain,especially at night

Timeline of the Burnley Student’s Medical Journey

1. Day 0‑3: Onset of fever,sore throat,and muscle aches; self‑managed with over‑the‑counter paracetamol.
2. Day 4‑7: Symptoms worsened; visited the local GP who diagnosed influenza and prescribed rest.
3. Day 8‑14: Fever persisted, accompanied by night sweats and a noticeable lump under the jaw.
4. Day 15: Parents requested urgent blood work; results showed abnormal white‑cell count.
5. Day 16: Referral to the regional cancer center; CT scan identified a mediastinal mass.
6. Day 18: Biopsy confirmed Hodgkin lymphoma (stage II).
7. Day 21: Multidisciplinary team (MDT) initiated chemotherapy protocol.

How Early Detection Saved Her Life

• Rapid referral: The GP’s willingness to order blood tests after persistent symptoms shortened the diagnostic window.
• Multidisciplinary approach: Collaboration between oncology, radiology, and pathology ensured accurate staging within days.
• Tailored treatment: Early‑stage Hodgkin lymphoma responds well to ABVD chemotherapy, offering a > 90 % 5‑year survival rate.

Practical Tips for Parents and teens When Symptoms Persist

• track symptom duration: Keep a daily log of temperature, pain levels, and new signs.
• Seek a second opinion if standard flu treatment shows no improvement after 5-7 days.
• Ask for blood tests to rule out infection or hematologic abnormalities.
• Request imaging (ultrasound or X‑ray) for persistent lumps or unexplained bone pain.
• Know red‑flag signs: Night sweats, unexplained weight loss, continuous fatigue, and swelling that does not soften.

Support Resources for Young Cancer Patients in the UK

• Teenage Cancer Trust: Offers counseling, peer support, and educational resources for patients aged 13‑24.
• Macmillan Cancer Support – Youth Services: Provides financial advice, travel assistance, and age‑appropriate facts.
• National Health Service (NHS) – Cancer Early Diagnosis Program: Free symptom checker and fast‑track referral pathways.
• Local Burnley Community Services: Access to school‑based therapy sessions and transport vouchers for hospital visits.

Lessons Learned: Raising Awareness in Schools and Communities

1. Health‑literacy workshops: Incorporate modules on “When a Flu Isn’t a flu” into school health curricula.
2. Teacher training: Enable staff to recognize prolonged absenteeism linked to medical red flags.
3. Parent‑school communication: Establish clear channels for reporting concerning health changes.
4. Community health fairs: Partner with local GPs to provide on‑site symptom screening for teenagers.

By highlighting the burnley student’s experience, families, educators, and healthcare providers can better differentiate common viral illnesses from serious underlying conditions, ensuring timely diagnosis and improved outcomes for young patients.