Loose Women presenter Kaye Adams has teamed up with Love Islander Demi Jones for a new NHS campaign to encourage members of the public to get cancer symptoms checked by their doctor. Adams, 59, and Jones, 23, are among a number of celebrities joining forces with television doctor Dr Nighat Arif and cancer survivors as part of a new NHS cancer campaign film to urge people who are experiencing potential signs of cancer to visit their GP.
Ex-professional Boxer Johnny Nelson, celebrity builder Tommy Walsh, actress Dame Harriet Walter and Loose Women presenter Charlene White are also involved in the campaign. Each individual in the film has either suffered from cancer or been referred for testing.
Jones, who featured on series six of hit ITV2 dating show Love Island, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in May 2021 after finding a lump on her neck. In December 2021 Jones announced she was cancer free, just seven months after her diagnosis.
Speaking about her experience, she said: “I first discovered a lump in my neck back in 2019. I was at university at the time and, as a young girl, I really didn’t think it would be anything to worry about, so I left it and put it to the back of my mind.
"Then, about six months later when I’d finished university, I spoke to my mum about it. She was so concerned about this lump and worried that I hadn’t got it checked out sooner. I booked an appointment with my GP who referred me to a specialist straight away.
"Unfortunately, in March 2020, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Since then, I’ve had radiotherapy and iodine treatment and I’ve had the all-clear! A lot of people reach out to me on social media with their concerns, telling me how worried they are to reach out to a GP in case their diagnosis is cancer.
"It’s really important to see your GP if you think that something is wrong or if you’re worried about any of your symptoms in order to get that peace of mind."
The campaign film highlights the individual experiences of those involved and the ways in which the NHS helped throughout each cancer experience. Adams previously experienced symptoms of breast cancer after noticing a change in her breast.
After visiting her doctor and undergoing a number of tests she was given the all clear. Adams said: “I first reached out to my GP when I thought one of my breasts looked a bit odd. Thank goodness they were thorough, and when the result came through it was negative.
“If your instinct is telling you that something is just not right then don’t just fret, don’t try and self-diagnose, pick up the phone and speak to someone professional. The chances are it’s not your worst fears, but if it’s not the outcome you’re looking for, the sooner you get your diagnosis, the better.”
Those who are concerned about possible symptoms of cancer can access support and NHS treatment services by contacting their GP.
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