Did ChatGPT save someone’s life ?

In a case highlighting the growing role of AI in healthcare, a 27-year-old woman from Paris says that ChatGPT identified signs of her blood cancer nearly a year before doctors made the diagnosis.

Marly Garnreiter had been dealing with persistent night sweats and skin irritation, which she assumed were stress-related, especially after losing her father to colon cancer. Initial medical checkups didn’t reveal anything serious, as her test results came back normal.

Still feeling uneasy, she turned to ChatGPT and described her symptoms. The AI tool suggested she might be showing signs of blood cancer—a warning she initially dismissed. Garnreiter shared that she didn’t take the suggestion seriously, and her friends also advised her not to rely on AI for medical advice.

Months later, her health worsened—she felt more fatigued and started experiencing chest pain. Further medical tests, including a scan, eventually revealed a large mass in her left lung. Doctors diagnosed her with Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare cancer affecting white blood cells.

Now preparing for chemotherapy, Garnreiter said she never expected an AI tool to catch something so critical before traditional medical systems did. “I just didn’t want my family to go through this again,” she said.

Though uncommon, Hodgkin lymphoma has a high survival rate when caught early—over 80% over five years, according to experts. Its symptoms include tiredness, abdominal pain, itchy skin, night sweats, and fever—all of which she experienced.As she begins treatment, Garnreiter hopes her story will inspire others to trust their gut feelings and seek second opinions when something feels off. “Listening to our bodies is crucial,” she said. “We often ignore what they’re trying to tell us.”

While ChatGPT isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice, this case adds to the discussion around AI’s potential to assist with early detection when traditional diagnoses are delayed.