Love Island star Demi Jones, 22, diagnosed with thyroid cancer - symptoms of the disease to look for

Former Love Island contestant Demi Jones has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

The reality TV personality, who is in her early 20s, announced the news to fans via a post on Instagram Stories on Thursday.

Jones, who came to prominence on the 2020 series of the ITV show, wrote: “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.

“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.”

Jones has been updating her followers on Instagram since discovering a lump in her neck in early April.

She was admitted to hospital where she had the “potentially cancerous” lump removed and has been awaiting the results of further tests.

Jones entered the villa on day 16 of Love Island 2020 and made it to the final, placing third alongside Luke Mabbott, who she had partnered up with on the show. They have since split.

What are the signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer?

Thyroid cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the thyroid gland, a small gland at the base of the neck that produces hormones.

It is most common in people aged in their 30s and women are two to three times more likely to develop it than men, according to the NHS.

According to the NHS, thyroid cancer often causes a painless lump or swelling low down in the front of the neck – though neck lumps are common and are usually caused by a less serious condition.

A neck lump is more likely to be cancer if it; feels firm, does not move around easily under the skin, gets bigger over time.

Patients should see a GP if they have a swelling or lump at the front of your neck.

Other symptoms of thyroid cancer include the following: swollen glands in the neck; unexplained hoarseness that does not get better after a few weeks; a sore throat that does not get better; pain in your neck; difficulty swallowing; difficulty breathing.

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