Marisa Abela has shared details about her experience with cancer and the initial subtle symptom she noticed.
The 29-year-old actress from Industry revealed she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer when she was 23. As a result, she is required to take medication indefinitely.
Thyroid cancer affects the thyroid gland, a small gland located at the front, lower part of the neck. Although quite rare, thyroid cancer is more common in women than men.
In an interview with The Times, Abela stated: “I’m all in the clear now, thank God.
“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.”
Abela shared that she began noticing unusual fatigue, which led to a doctor’s discovery of a lump on her neck.
She had to undergo an extensive eight-hour surgery to remove the lump, followed by radioactive iodine therapy.
Mayo Clinic notes that thyroid cancer often does not present symptoms in its early stages, but as it progresses, it can lead to noticeable symptoms.
There are also specific risk factors associated with thyroid cancer. These include being female, as researchers believe there could be a connection to estrogen; exposure to high levels of radiation, and certain inherited genetic conditions.
Having made a full recovery, Abela emphasizes the importance of ongoing medical check-ups.
Last year, she tied the knot with Jamie Bogyo, whom she met during her studies at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
Recounting their wedding day, she described it as ‘amazing and a big party’.
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.”
About her husband, she mentioned: “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.