Marisa Abela, best known for her role in the HBO series Industry, has opened up about her thyroid cancer diagnosis at the age of 23.
The 29-year-old actress's health battle began when she noticed unusual fatigue, which prompted her to seek medical advice.
During the examination, a lump was discovered on her neck, and she was soon diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
According to The Times, the Back to Black actress underwent an eight-hour operation to remove the tumor, followed by radioactive iodine treatment to ensure the cancer was fully eradicated. "I'm all in the clear now, thank God," she shared.
However, she will need to stay on medication for the rest of her life. “I don’t have a working thyroid, so these pills sort of create one. I’m never going to miss those appointments,” she added.
Thyroid cancer, while rare, can present various symptoms as it grows, including a lump in the neck, changes in the voice, difficulty swallowing, and pain in the neck and throat.
“The thyroid is all to do with your hormones, and staying on top of your hormones, as a woman, is important,” she said.
Abela’s cancer diagnosis came at a pivotal moment in her career, as she was starting to gain recognition for her portrayal of Yasmin Kara-Hanani in Industry.
The series, which delves into the world of young bankers navigating ambition and excess in a London investment firm, has now reached its fourth season, earning Abela a BAFTA for Leading Actress in 2025.
While the Industry has brought the Barbie actress professional acclaim, her personal life has also flourished in recent years.
Last year, she married fellow actor Jamie Bogyo, whom she met at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
The couple tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony in East Sussex, surrounded by loved ones and many of Abela’s co-stars, including Myha'la Herrold, who plays Harper on the show, and served as one of her bridesmaids.
Reflecting on their wedding day, Abela described it as “amazing and a big party. Very booze-focused,” adding, “Jamie and I went to bed at about 4am, we were sensible. There was an afterparty, but I’m glad we didn’t go."
"The next day was so special and I’m glad that I didn’t feel like death and could remember everything," she added, per Entertainment Weekly.
Abela also spoke fondly of her husband, praising his unwavering support throughout her journey. “He reads everything I get sent, I read everything he writes, and we’re a team,” she shared. “He has always been my biggest supporter and my biggest fan.”
Reflecting on her battle with cancer and the challenges she has overcome, Abela expressed a sense of gratitude and excitement for the future, adding: "2026 is looking very exciting."
In addition to Industry, Abela will star in the upcoming action film Highlander, alongside Russell Crowe and Henry Cavill.