A heartbreaking video has recently gone viral on social media. In the clip, a very young girl—just 23 years old—is seen sitting quietly in a hospital hallway after being diagnosed with leukemia. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and her hands trembled. Despite being asked about her condition by concerned bystanders, she said nothing, only cried. The video was shared by the Oncology Department of Lac Viet Hospital.

At just 23, she should be full of life and dreams. But leukemia has robbed her of joy and innocence. Her image—sitting alone, crying with shaking hands—has moved countless viewers to tears. It’s not just her pain; it’s also the pain of her family, her friends, and even strangers who’ve watched the clip.

Since the video was posted, it has received an outpouring of sympathy and support for the young woman.

Though only a few seconds long, the clip serves as more than just a heartbreaking moment—it is also a powerful reminder for all of us to pay closer attention to our health and take cancer prevention seriously.

What Is Leukemia?

Leukemia, commonly referred to as blood cancer, is a group of malignant diseases that affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. It occurs when abnormal blood cells—usually white blood cells—grow uncontrollably, crowding out healthy cells. This weakens the body’s ability to fight infections, carry oxygen, and stop bleeding.

There are three main types of blood cancer:

• Leukemia: A cancer that begins in the bone marrow where blood cells are produced. Abnormal white blood cells multiply rapidly and interfere with the production of normal blood cells.

• Lymphoma: Affects the lymphatic system, including lymph nodes, the spleen, thymus, and other lymphatic tissues. It begins when lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) grow uncontrollably and form tumors.

• Multiple Myeloma: A cancer of plasma cells, which are responsible for producing antibodies to fight infection. Cancerous plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and disrupt the production of normal blood cells, while also damaging the bones.

Blood cancer is one of the ten most common cancers in Vietnam. According to Globocan 2020, it ranks 7th with nearly 6,300 new cases each year.

At the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion alone, approximately 1,500 new cases are diagnosed annually—including both children and adults. The adult malignant hematology and chemotherapy departments often treat over 250 inpatients at a time.

Warning Signs of Leukemia

Recognizing early symptoms of leukemia can improve treatment outcomes. Here are some common signs to watch for:

• Chronic fatigue and pale skin: Caused by a decrease in red blood cells, leading to anemia. Patients often feel weak, lethargic, and appear pale.

• Easy bruising or bleeding: A drop in platelets may result in unexplained bruises, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, gastrointestinal bleeding, or in severe cases, brain hemorrhage.

• Bone pain: Often felt in the back, legs, or joints—bone pain is a hallmark symptom of leukemia.

• Frequent headaches: Reduced red blood cells mean less oxygen reaches the brain, leading to persistent headaches.

• Swollen lymph nodes: Swelling in the neck, armpits, or groin that is usually painless but noticeable under the skin.

• Abdominal pain: May occur if cancerous cells spread to abdominal lymph nodes, often accompanied by appetite loss.

• High fever: A weakened immune system makes leukemia patients more prone to infections and high fevers.

• Unexplained weight loss: Cancer cells consume the body’s energy and nutrients, causing rapid weight loss.

• Night sweats: Sudden, excessive sweating at night can wake patients from sleep and may be an early symptom.
  
  
  

The 23-year-old girl in the video should be enjoying one of the brightest phases of her life. Instead, she sits silently, overwhelmed with emotion. Her pain is deeply personal, but the moment has touched the hearts of countless others.

This story serves as a powerful reminder that health is our most valuable asset. Many young people tend to be complacent, assuming serious diseases like cancer only affect the elderly. But leukemia and many other illnesses do not discriminate by age. That’s why it’s critical to build and maintain healthy habits early in life to prevent illness later on.