A New York woman with a keen focus on health took to traveling with a carbon monoxide detector, all the while battling an undiagnosed illness. Health remains a prevalent concern in the U.S. According to an American Psychiatric Association poll of over 2,200 adults, 55% felt ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ anxious about health in 2026.

For years, Jess Potter of Rochester dealt with health anxiety. To alleviate her worries, she would bring a carbon monoxide detector when staying at hotels. ‘I read numerous articles about carbon monoxide deaths in hotels, so I bring mine,’ Potter stated. ‘Ignoring it felt like overlooking a small but crucial thing.’

Though health anxiety loomed large for Potter, her situation altered drastically late last year. In October 2025, she faced a period lasting about three months, during which illness repetitively struck. ‘I thought it was just bronchitis or the winter flu,’ Potter explained.

When illnesses persisted beyond control, Potter sought medical advice. ‘I had an enlarged lymph node and bronchitis,’ she noted. Following biopsies, doctors diagnosed Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

This confirmed Potter’s most dreaded health fears, creating a challenging reality for her. ‘It was difficult to process my fears becoming reality,’ Potter shared. ‘I initiated chemotherapy immediately, and it has been improving.’

Currently, Potter has made notable progress in her recovery. Reflecting on her past, she acknowledges the irony of her situation, as she carried a carbon monoxide detector all the while unaware of her health condition. ‘I was always wary of health risks yet didn’t know about my cancer,’ Potter remarked.

Potter hopes her experience encourages others to remain vigilant about health and symptoms. She advises, ‘Always get checked for anything concerning.’ She added, ‘Even with my caution, I had undetected cancer. Let it motivate others to tune into their body’s signals.’

For further insights on this story, reach out to Newsweek editors Rebecca Flood and Emma Lee-Sang.