Aida Burkins, 22, from Hemet, California, had no idea a routine flight to Chicago would be the first sign of a serious health condition. After landing, she noticed her ears simply wouldn't pop, something most people would brush off. For Burkins, it turned out to be the start of a health crisis that took months to properly diagnose.
Months of unclear symptoms
In the weeks that followed, Burkins began experiencing worsening symptoms, including bleeding into her throat that would only drain if she bent forward at the hip, along with increasing fatigue, weight loss, and hearing loss accompanied by persistent ringing in her ears. She saw multiple doctors during this period, but was repeatedly told it was likely lingering altitude sickness from the flight.
Getting an answer
Eventually, a doctor identified a mass blocking her eustachian tube and referred her to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. The specialist raised concerns that the mass could be cancerous, though her young age initially gave them pause. Further tests revealed her adenoids were severely inflamed, and while waiting on biopsy results, swelling on one side of her throat led to a second biopsy. CT scans later showed extensive tumour involvement, including in lymph nodes near the base of her skull.
In February, Burkins was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a rare cancer affecting the upper part of the throat, located behind the nose.
Treatment and outlook
Burkins has since undergone chemotherapy and radiation therapy, with doctors reporting the tumour has shrunk significantly and responded well to treatment. She's said her two young children have been a major source of motivation throughout, and hopes to be declared cancer-free once treatment concludes. She's shared her story publicly as a reminder that cancer diagnoses can affect people at any age.
