LONDON, U.K. — What began as a perplexing and painful reaction to a glass of wine for 28-year-old new mother Hollie Thursby turned into a life-changing medical discovery. After giving birth to her second son, Jack, Thursby noticed an intense itching sensation and sharp pain along the side of her neck whenever she drank even a small amount of alcohol. Initially attributing her symptoms to post-partum hormonal changes and exhaustion from caring for her children, she soon uncovered a far more serious underlying cause.
During a routine checkup for her infant son, Thursby mentioned the “unbearably itchy skin” she was experiencing, a symptom often linked to hormonal shifts after childbirth. Her doctor initially reassured her that this was likely a common post-partum issue. However, the discomfort persisted and was accompanied by a sensation she described as “someone sitting on my chest” when she went to bed, which she attributed to fatigue.
The turning point came in July 2025 when Thursby discovered a lump on the side of her neck. Medical evaluation revealed that the pain and itching she had been experiencing after drinking wine were early signs of a rare blood cancer. Experts note that certain types of blood cancers can cause unusual reactions to alcohol, including localized pain and skin symptoms, although such presentations are uncommon.
This case highlights the importance of paying close attention to bodily changes, especially when symptoms are persistent or unusual. According to the National Cancer Institute, blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma can present with lumps in the neck or other lymph nodes, fatigue, and skin changes. Early diagnosis is critical for effective treatment.
Research has also shown that alcohol consumption can influence cancer risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that alcohol is a known risk factor for several cancers, including some blood cancers, underscoring the complex relationship between alcohol intake and cancer development.
Thursby’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for new mothers and others who might dismiss unusual symptoms as routine or stress-related. The Office on Women’s Health emphasizes the need for women to seek medical advice when experiencing persistent or unexplained symptoms, especially after childbirth when the body undergoes significant changes.
Her story also reinforces the value of thorough medical evaluations and awareness of rare presentations of disease. As the National Institutes of Health continues to fund research into early cancer detection, cases like Thursby’s remind the public and healthcare providers alike to remain vigilant.
Thursby is currently undergoing treatment and hopes her story will encourage others to listen to their bodies and seek timely medical care. “I never imagined that a glass of wine could be connected to something so serious,” she said. “If sharing my experience helps even one person get diagnosed earlier, it’s worth it.”
