ChatGPT Flags Woman's Symptoms As Blood Cancer A Year Before Formal Diagnosis
Marley Garnreiter, 27, from Paris, found early signs of Hodgkin lymphoma via ChatGPT months before diagnosis. This instance showcase AI's potential in healthcare
While AI tools like ChatGPT are not designed to diagnose illnesses, there have been increasing instances where they have helped users identify early signs of serious health conditions.
A 27-year-old woman from Paris has shared her extraordinary experience of how ChatGPT identified symptoms of blood cancer almost a year before she received a formal diagnosis from medical professionals. The case has sparked renewed discussion around the growing potential of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
Marley Garnreiter began experiencing night sweats and skin irritation, symptoms she attributed to stress following the loss of her father to colon cancer. Despite multiple visits to doctors, all her test results returned as normal, and no serious health concerns were flagged at the time.
Turning To AI For Clarity
Still concerned, Garnreiter decided to input her symptoms into ChatGPT in search of alternative insights. The AI tool flagged the possibility of blood cancer, a warning she initially dismissed. Speaking to People.com, she admitted she didn't take the suggestion seriously, with friends also advising her not to rely on a machine for health guidance.
Symptoms Persist, Diagnosis Confirmed
Months later, Garnreiter began experiencing chronic fatigue and chest pain, prompting further medical investigation. A scan eventually revealed a large lump in her left lung, leading to a diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare type of blood cancer affecting white blood cells. She is now preparing to begin chemotherapy.
Reflecting on the experience, Garnreiter expressed her shock. 'It's incredible that an AI tool picked up on something so important, well before the healthcare system did.", she said.
While Hodgkin lymphoma is rare, early detection greatly improves treatment outcomes. Medical experts note that the five-year survival rate exceeds 80 percent when identified early. Common symptoms include itching, fatigue, night sweats, fever, and stomach discomfort—many of which Garnreiter had reported.
Although ChatGPT is not a substitute for professional medical advice, her case adds to the growing conversation around AI's potential in symptom analysis, particularly when traditional methods fall short or diagnosis is delayed. However, experts caution that such tools should be used as a supplement rather than a substitute for professional healthcare.
First Published:
April 25, 2025, 15:29 IST
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