Hollyoaks actress Abi Phillips has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, aged 28.
Abi took on the role of Liberty Savage from 2010 to 2013, and revealed the tragic news to fans through her Instagram on Monday (May 9).
She made the announcement with two photos, one of her in a hospital gown and another after her biopsy with a small bandage on her neck.
The 28-year-old soap star has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
Instagram / abiphillipsuk
Abi began: "So, I took these pictures before my scans and after my biopsy, having a good old laugh about how ridiculously dressed up I looked in the hospital before a gig, not expecting for one moment to get the news that I did two weeks later.
"I'd previously been sent away from the doctors after having found two lumps in my neck. They'd passed it 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."
The specialist sought out specialist advice after following Love Island star Demi Jones' advice about checking yourself for unusual lumps.
Abi has called on her Instagram followers to seek medical advice for any issues that are of concern.
Instagram / abiphillipsuk
She said: "I booked in with a specialist and immediately she told me she was very concerned due to where my lumps were located and referred me for an urgent biopsy and scans.
"Fast forward two weeks and just before Easter weekend I had an appointment to see a consultant at the QE hospital, who sat me down and told me that I had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and that I 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.
"I wouldn't have taken things further with seeing a specialist if I hadn't seen @demijones1 post as her lumps were in the exact same place as mine."
Abi concluded her message by urging her followers to make sure they seek medical advice for any issues that are of concern.
She said: "If ever you find a lump or something unusual on your body, never just think it's nothing, don't be told that you're fine by the GP and you're 'young', always get things 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.
"This time next week I'll be on the road to recovery after my operation."
