Former Love Island star Demi Jones has shared an update on her thyroid cancer treatment, after she was diagnosed earlier this year.
Speaking to OK! Demi revealed she's recently undergone another round of treatment, and will check back with her doctor in a few months to see if it's been successful.
"I recently had some cancer treatment and it's going all good," she explained, "I've got to wait another two months now to see if it's all come out of my body so I'm having a full body scan."
In May, Demi posted the news of her diagnosis on her Instagram Story alongside a leaflet from Macmillan, a cancer support charity. She said, "Hi guys, I got my results today and unfortunately I have thyroid cancer. The tumour has been removed but I'm now due to have more surgery to remove the rest of my thyroid."
She continued on to say that she is remaining upbeat and strong, while urging others to check themselves for any lumps that seem out of place. "I'm staying very positive and I'm a strong girl so I'll be fine, thank you for your love and support always - I'll bounce back stronger."
The NHS website says that thyroid cancer is a rare type of cancer affecting the thyroid gland, which is a small gland at the base of the neck responsible for producing hormones. "It's most common in people in their 30s and those over the age of 60," it adds. "Women are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop it than men."
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It continues on to say that thyroid cancer is usually treatable and "in many cases can be cured completely, although it can sometimes come back after treatment".
After having her initial surgery, Demi posted a message of thanks and gratitude to the medical staff who had cared for her during her hospital stay. "The lump on my thyroid was as big as a golf ball," she again said on Instagram Stories. "The NHS staff at the QA Portsmouth have been unbelievable. And thank you for all your messages they have made me tearful."
Although it must be an incredibly difficult thing for Demi to talk about, many are praising her for speaking out and raising awareness around thyroid cancer. Symptoms of which can include:
- A lump or swelling in the front of the neck, often painless
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Unexplained hoarseness that does not improve after a few weeks
- A sore throat (that again, doesn't improve after a few weeks)
- Trouble swallowing
We're sending all our love to Demi during this tough time.
If you have any questions or concerns about cancer, the Macmillan Support Line is open every day from 8am-8pm on 0808 808 00 00. Further information and support is available online at macmillan.org.uk including peer-to-peer support on the Online Community.
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
