Actress Marisa Abela: My Cancer Scare and Voice Fear

Marisa Abela, known for her role in 'Industry,' has recounted her harrowing experience with thyroid cancer, diagnosed in 2020 when she was 23. She underwent an extensive eight-hour surgery to remove a tumor from her neck and around 19 lymph nodes. The most terrifying aspect for Abela was the risk of losing her ability to speak, a concern she signed waivers for, highlighting the delicate nerve proximity.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Abela's diagnosis initially stemmed from symptoms she mistook for the virus. The surgery was a total thyroidectomy, a procedure involving the removal of the entire thyroid gland. She experienced a bleak period recovering in the burns unit due to bed shortages, with her husband, Jamie Bogyo, providing immense support throughout the ordeal.

Abela also expressed anxiety about the prominent scar her surgery would leave and its potential impact on her acting career. Her diagnosis and recovery were particularly challenging as she had to go through the process alone due to pandemic restrictions. Despite these struggles, she has since achieved significant career milestones, including a Bafta win in 2025.