A young woman who light-heartedly joked about having an "Adam's apple" has shared her shock after discovering the lump was a large cancerous tumour.
From Casual Remark to Life-Changing Diagnosis
Bethany Dodwell, a 25-year-old dancer and performer from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, first mentioned the protrusion in her neck to her mother back in 2022. At the time, she brushed it off, even making a quip about it looking like an Adam's apple – a feature more commonly associated with men.
It wasn't until a visit to the pub in July 2025, three years later, that her mother noticed the lump had grown significantly. This observation prompted Bethany to finally book an appointment with her GP. "We booked a doctor's appointment to clear our conscience and make sure everything was alright," Bethany explained.
The Shocking Truth Behind the Symptoms
Her doctor confirmed the presence of the lump and referred her for an ultrasound and a biopsy. Alongside the visible sign, Bethany had been battling extreme fatigue and difficulties with breathing and swallowing for years. She had attributed these issues to her severe asthma and a demanding work schedule involving long, physical split shifts.
On September 15, 2025, she received the devastating results: a diagnosis of grade five thyroid cancer. The tumour measured just under 6cm, and medical professionals believed she may have had it since her early teens.
Extensive Surgery and Ongoing Treatment
In December 2025, Bethany underwent surgery to remove her thyroid gland. The procedure became more extensive than initially planned when tests on surrounding lymph nodes, conducted during the operation, revealed they were also cancerous. These nodes were subsequently removed, lengthening the surgery and leaving a larger scar.
Bethany is now in recovery and is due to begin radioactive iodine treatment at the start of February to target any remaining cancer cells. She will have a follow-up scan afterwards in the hope that the cancer is gone.
Reflecting on her experience, Bethany credits her mother with helping to save her life by spotting the change. "My mum helped to save my life," she stated, adding that she likely wouldn't have noticed the growth herself as she had become accustomed to it.
A Vital Message to the Public
Bethany is now urging everyone to listen to their bodies and seek medical advice without delay. "If there's ever anything that doesn't feel right in your body, or you're questioning, even if you think you're being overdramatic, always get it checked," she advised.
She emphasised the importance of acting on concerns, stating: "Always act on it because that's what I did and it's a good job that I did do that. You know your body better than anyone else and your body does tell you that something's not right."
