Marisa Abela has opened up about her cancer diagnosis and the one subtle symptom she experienced first.
The Industry star, 29, explained she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at the age of 23 and will be on medication for life following her diagnosis.
Thyroid cancer is cancer of the thyroid gland, which is a small gland in the front, lower part of the neck. Thyroid cancer is quite rare, and women are more likely to get it than men.
Speaking to The Times, Abela explained: “I’m all in the clear now, thank God.
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“I don’t have a working thyroid, so these pills sort of create one.
"I'm never going to miss those appointments.
“The thyroid is all to do with your hormones, and staying on top of your hormones, as a woman, to make sure things are running as they should, is important."
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Abela explained that she first started to notice she was suffering from unusual fatigue, before a doctor discovered a lump on her neck.
She underwent an eight-hour surgery to remove the mass, followed by radioactive iodine treatment.
As per Mayo Clinic, most thyroid cancers don't show any signs early on, however as the cancer grows, it can cause:
- A lump
- Feeling as though collars are becoming too tight
- Changes in your voice, such as hoarseness
- Trouble swallowing
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
- Pain in the neck and throat
There are also certain factors that can increase the risk of thyroid cancer. These include being female, with experts believing it could be linked to estrogen; having had exposure to high levels of radiation and certain inherited genetic syndromes.
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Abela has now made a full recovery from the illness, but explains she will require regular check-ups.
Last year, Abela married her now-husband Jamie Bogyo, whom she met while studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
Speaking of the big day, she described it as 'amazing and a big party'.
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She added: "Very booze-focused. Jamie and I went to bed at about 4am, we were sensible. There was an afterparty but I’m glad we didn’t go. The next day was so special and I’m glad that I didn’t feel like death and could remember everything.”
Of her husband, she added: “He reads everything I get sent, I read everything he writes and we’re a team. He has always been my biggest supporter and my biggest fan.”
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.
Topics: Film and TV, Celebrity, Health, Cancer
Lucy Devine