Her date seemed unusually interested in women’s health — then his story about two women with 'Cancer' took an unexpected turn
Modern dating requires people to reveal parts of themselves much earlier, especially when it comes to health. Many singles now approach first dates with a level of honesty that would have seemed unusual a decade ago. While this openness can create stronger connections, it can also lead to some remarkably awkward misunderstandings. Instagram user Steph DePrez, who goes by @steph.deprez, shared one such experience on June 20, 2026. During a first date with a man, the conversation turned to how candidly women have discussed their health and struggles on dating apps, though his experiences dating women with "Cancer" soon left DePrez increasingly confused and eventually led to a realization she never saw coming.
The misunderstanding began when the man praised women for being honest about the health conditions they were dealing with. He even explained that some women listed these details in their dating profiles. It was then that he revealed that he had recently gone on dates with two women who had "Cancer." At first, DePrez was confused for a few seconds. However, she eventually realized that he was referring to their zodiac signs rather than a medical diagnosis. The women had simply listed Cancer as their star sign, while he believed they were disclosing a serious illness.
The misunderstanding also reflects how conversations around health and mental well-being have changed in recent years. Steph initially assumed the man was referring to conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, or neurodivergence because these subjects have become increasingly common in dating conversations. A 2025 study published by PubMed Central on online dating experiences among people with mental illness found that many participants intentionally disclosed their diagnoses early in relationships to reduce stigma, avoid future rejection, and find compatible partners.
The viewers, however, had some interesting takes. @cmdehaven said, "That'd be a green flag from him if he thinks they have cancer and is willing to consider starting a relationship with them." Meanwhile, @lisamarwhit commented, "I’m like, I’ve been through cancer treatment recently, and I definitely wouldn’t want to date." @michit365 joked, "I have Aquarius."
For someone unfamiliar with astrology, the confusion may not be as far-fetched as it initially sounds. Yes, according to YouGov, 41% of people have checked whether they are astrologically compatible with a potential partner. The Pew Research Center further found that astrology resonates more strongly with younger women, with 43% of women aged 18 to 49 saying they believe in it. Among men, the figures were considerably lower, with 20% of men aged 18 to 49 and just 16% of men over 50 expressing similar beliefs. DePrez's date may simply be among the majority of men who do not consider astrology a factor in dating and therefore never thought of "Cancer" as a zodiac sign.
Yet, reading the caption reveals the twist that makes the story even more unbelievable. DePrez later revealed that she and the man have been together for more than a year. Perhaps that makes the misunderstanding even sweeter. If a man believes a woman has cancer and still happily agrees to a date, it may say far more about his character than his knowledge of astrology.
For more such interesting stories, follow @steph.deprez on Instagram.