My vodka habit led me to discover cancer at age 22: Every sip caused a specific ‘roaring’ pain… but it wasn’t the booze that was killing me

Claire Dougherty was like any other 22 year old – she enjoyed going out with her friends and indulging in a cocktail or two. 

But in August 2025, she suddenly began experiencing pain in her throat and breathlessness when she drank. Every sip of