Scottish Sophie Walker, 16, was diagnosed with Wilms’ tumour, a type of kidney cancer, in October 2017, aged 10. Since then, she has been battling the disease. But what intrigues doctors most is that the teenager’s identical twin, Megan, suffers some of the same symptoms as her sister without having been diagnosed with cancer.
“When Sophie was first diagnosed, Megan had all the symptoms. People comment all the time how sick she looks – she’s even paler than her sister.” daily mail. According to Rebecca, the doctors said it was a “twin thing”.
Sophie was diagnosed with Wilms tumor in 2017 after experiencing stomach cramps. Also known as nephroblastoma, this is the most common type of kidney cancer in childhood and can affect one or both kidneys, according to the National Cancer Institute (Inca).
Over the next six years, the teenager went through cancer remission – a period in which the disease is under control – three times, but the condition returned in January 2020, January 2021 and, more recently, in December 2022.
According to the National Cancer Institute (Inca), cancer is one of the main public health problems in the world and is one of the four main causes of death before the age of 70 in several countries. As it is an increasingly common problem, the sooner it is identified, the greater the chances of recovery.boonchai wedmakhand
****Photo-lady-sitting-with-hands-on-belly.jpgTherefore, it is important to be aware of the signs that the body gives. Although some tumors have no symptoms, cancer often causes changes in the body. Know some signs that may appear in the presence of the diseasePhynart Studio/ Getty Images
****Photo-woman-on-a-scale.jpgWeight loss for no apparent reason can be one of the main symptoms of different types of cancer, such as: stomach, lung, pancreas, etc.Flashpop/ Getty Images
****Photo-person-with-hand-on-bosom-2.jpgPersistent changes in skin texture for no apparent reason can also be a red flag, especially if they are bumps and lumps in the breast, neck, groin, testicles, armpit and stomach.FG Trade/ Getty Images
****Photo-man-with-cough.jpgPersistent cough, despite being a common symptom of several diseases, should be investigated if it continues for more than four weeks. If it is accompanied by shortness of breath and blood, for example, it may be an indication of lung cancer.South_agency/ Getty Images
****Photo-paint-being-investigated.jpgAnother characteristic sign of the existence of cancer is the change in the appearance of moles. Changes in size, color, and shape should also be investigated, especially if they flake, bleed, or show retained fluid.Peter Dazeley/Getty Images
****Photo-person-in-pain.jpgThe presence of blood in the stool or urine can be a sign of cancer of the kidneys, bladder or bowel. In addition, pain and difficulties when urinating should also be investigated.RealPeopleGroup/ Getty Images
****Photo-person-with-hand-on-bosom.jpgPain for no apparent reason and lasting more than four weeks, frequently or intermittently, may be a sign of cancer. This is because some tumors can press on bones, nerves and other organs, causing discomfort. ljubaphoto/ Getty Images
*****Photo-man-with-the-belly.jpgStrong, recurrent heartburn, which is painful and apparently does not go away, can indicate various types of diseases, such as throat or stomach cancer. In addition, difficulty and pain when swallowing should also be investigated, as they may be a sign of esophageal cancer.DjelicS/ Getty Images
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During this period, Megan experienced many of the same symptoms as her sister, including stomach and back pain, weight loss and paleness, although head-to-toe MRI scans never found any evidence of any illness.
brotherly empathy
Doctors involved in similar cases in the past have dismissed the theory that twins can have the same symptoms of a disease. They suggest that it is more likely that the strong empathy for the sibling is the cause of the physical pain.
The girls from Edinburgh, Scotland, have eight other siblings: James, 20; Emily, 19; Ruthie, 17; Daniel, 13; Olivia, 11; Emma, 9; Nathan, 8 and Evan, 8 months.
Sophie continues to be treated for the disease. While the older siblings help out by taking care of the younger ones, Megan makes a point of staying by her sister’s side in the hospital. ‘Megan won’t leave Sophie until she says, ‘I’m tired, I want to sleep,'” claims her mother.
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