Actor's heartbreaking thyroid diagnosis after doctor dismisses 'lumps'
A British actor and singer has revealed she’s been diagnosed with thyroid cancer after initially being dismissed by doctors because she’s too “young”.
Hollyoaks star Abi Phillips shared the devastating news with her social media followers this week. The 28-year-old could be seen in photos wearing a hospital gown and mask as she undergoes scans and a biopsy.
The performer said she never for a moment expected to receive a cancer diagnosis just weeks later.
“I’d previously been sent away from the doctor's after having found two lumps on my neck…” she said on Instagram.
“They’d passed off and said I was ‘young’ and it wouldn’t be anything and I was ‘probably getting over a cold’ or my body was ‘fighting something off’.
“As much as that’s what I wanted to hear, I wanted to get everything checked for my own peace of mind.”
She sought a second opinion with a specialist after seeing a photo of Love Island contestant Demi Jones, who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer last year.
“His lumps were in the exact same place as mine,” Ms Phillips said.
The specialist agreed, telling the singer that “she was very concerned due to where [her] lumps were located” and ordering an urgent biopsy and scans.
Two weeks later, just before Easter weekend, Ms Phillips was told she had thyroid cancer and would need surgery and radiotherapy treatment.
“I never thought I would be told that I have cancer at the age of 28 — you never think it’s going to happen to you,” she said.
She is now urging other people to get checked out and push for answers if dismissed by a general practitioner.
“If you ever find a lump or something unusual on your body, never think it’s nothing,” the actor wrote.
“Don’t be told that you’re fine by the GP and you’re ‘young’ — always get checked out by a specialist if you can and insist on tests even if it turns out to be nothing, as catching things early is crucial for a good prognosis.”
Ms Phillips said she will undergo surgery next week.
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Demi Jones said she is now adjusting to life post cancer after being given the all-clear in December.
She told The Daily Mail she is adjusting to changes with her body after being placed on medication to replace her thyroid.
“I have to take three tablets every single day for the rest of my life. They basically control my thyroids. I’ve not got any thyroids, so I’m on a high dosage,” she said.
“It’s very difficult balancing it, and I’m constantly higher-ing and lowering it and trying to get a level [that suits]. I also get blood tests every three months to make sure I’m at the right level – it’s crazy.”
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