Fit marathoner diagnosed with stage four cancer, shares warning signs
text_fields
After completing a half-marathon, Govind Sandhu, a 38-year-old TikTok executive from Bondi, was diagnosed with stage four non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Sandhu, who oversees Global Music Partnerships at TikTok Australia, received the diagnosis in early May following severe complications post the Sydney Half Marathon.
Despite being fit and healthy, Sandhu missed several significant warning signs, which he later shared on Instagram.
In an emotional video, Sandhu recounted his experience, noting, "The day after the marathon, I experienced a swollen knee, which I initially attributed to an injury from a previous trail run in Hobart." However, his condition worsened with severe body aches and sweating, symptoms he initially thought were flu or COVID-19. "After four weeks, I just deteriorated," he shared.
Sandhu emphasized the importance of being proactive about health. "It's crucial to talk to your doctor about warning signs and get your blood checked at least twice a year," he advised.
According to the Mayo Clinic, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, part of the body's immune system. In this condition, white blood cells called lymphocytes grow abnormally and can form tumors throughout the body.
