What began as a typical evening at a London pub for 26-year-old Hannah Sheridan turned into the start of a life-altering health journey when her friends spotted a 'huge lump' on her neck. Months later, she received a devastating diagnosis: thyroid cancer.
A Lump Ignored and a Body in Distress
Ms Sheridan, from London, was already navigating a series of unexplained health issues affecting her hormones and digestion, diagnosed as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). She did not initially connect these problems to the new lump. 'When I felt the lump while with my friends, I tried to keep calm,' she recalled. 'I was hoping they would say it was all in my head.'
Despite attempts to reassure her, panic set in. She also suffered from a persistent 'throbbing' neck pain, fluctuating weight, and acid reflux, symptoms she says were often dismissed by doctors as muscular tension or unrelated conditions.
The Diagnosis and the Hidden Link
In May 2025, investigations confirmed the lump was on her thyroid gland. Just two weeks later, she was placed on the suspected cancer pathway. After a biopsy, ultrasound, and blood tests—the latter of which returned 'normal'—a surgeon confirmed a month later that she had papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).
PTC is the most common form of thyroid cancer, accounting for 75 to 85 per cent of cases. It is typically slow-growing and most frequently found in women aged 30 to 50. Experts now believe her earlier hormonal and digestive troubles were likely connected. The thyroid regulates key hormones; when it malfunctions, it can disrupt ovulation and mimic PCOS. Studies also link thyroid issues to inflammatory bowel diseases.
Surgery, Setbacks, and a New Perspective
On 3 June, Ms Sheridan underwent surgery to remove the right side of her thyroid. The relief was temporary. While on a celebratory trip to Ibiza in August, she received a crushing phone call: the tumour had grown. This meant she now requires a second operation to remove her entire thyroid, followed by radiotherapy.
However, the initial surgery brought an unexpected silver lining: some of her long-standing health woes improved. 'My periods are regular for the first time in my life,' she said. Her severe neck pain also vanished completely.
Reflecting on her ordeal, Ms Sheridan feels her symptoms were not taken seriously until it was almost too late. 'Doctors kept dismissing me... I've got to be on replacement medication for life now,' she stated. 'Women's health isn't taken seriously enough. It's time to start listening.'
Thyroid disorders are remarkably common, affecting at least one in 20 people in the UK. While Ms Sheridan's case involved cancer, most issues relate to an overactive or underactive gland. Hypothyroidism, where too few hormones are produced, is far more prevalent and can cause fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
According to Cancer Research UK, around 4,000 people are diagnosed with thyroid cancer annually in the UK, representing just 1% of all cancer cases. The prognosis is often good, with 84% of patients living for a decade or more after treatment. The recent rise in cases, particularly among younger people, is attributed to better screening catching the disease earlier.
Hannah Sheridan's message is clear: trust your body's signals and advocate for yourself. 'I'm so glad I trusted my instincts and pushed for an answer,' she said. 'Otherwise, it might be too late.'
