Rathkenny woman urges others to ‘get it looked at’ after routine blood test led to thyroid cancer diagnosis

Katie McKay, from Rathkenny, outside Ballymena, who shares her experience with thyroid cancer.

A routine appointment for blood tests turned into a life-changing cancer diagnosis for a woman from Rathkenny – and she is now urging others not to ignore unexpected changes or delay getting them checked.

Ahead of World Head and Neck Cancer Day on Sunday, July 27, Katie McKay has shared her experience after a nurse spotted a lump on her neck during a visit to her GP surgery, despite her having no symptoms at the time.

The awareness day aims to encourage earlier recognition of head and neck cancers, where prompt diagnosis can improve treatment outcomes.

A chance discovery

Katie had attended the appointment simply to have routine blood tests carried out and had no reason to suspect anything was wrong.

“I didn’t have any initial symptoms,” she recalled. “I was getting bloods done at my GP’s and the nurse noticed a lump on my neck, and she insisted that I got it looked at by the doctor.”

Further investigations revealed she had thyroid cancer.

Although thyroid cancer remains relatively uncommon, diagnosis rates have risen in recent years.

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the front of the neck that produces hormones responsible for regulating metabolism, heart rate, body temperature and energy levels.

Know the signs – but don’t rely on symptoms

Katie McKay in conversation with Soraya Manoucheri, Head and Neck Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

Soraya Manoucheri, Head and Neck Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, said Katie’s experience highlights an important reality: thyroid cancer is often discovered unexpectedly.

“Much of the time we find a thyroid cancer in someone incidentally, without any symptoms,” she explained.

“However, in some cases patients can have a lump in their neck that is persistent and unexplained, and a change in their voice quality that is again persistent and unexplained.”

Head and neck cancers can affect a number of areas, including the mouth, throat, voice box, tongue, salivary glands and sinuses, making awareness of possible warning signs especially important.

‘It could change your life’

Reflecting on her diagnosis, Katie hopes her story encourages others not to dismiss concerns, even if they feel perfectly well.

“Definitely go and get your symptoms looked at by a doctor.

“You may feel that there is nothing wrong with you, but you just never know. It could change your life, for the better, not always for the worst.”

Soraya said recognising changes early and acting quickly can make a significant difference.

“The main takeaway is to know your own body and if you notice any changes, to act on those as quickly as possible and get seen by your GP.

“If they have any worries or concerns, they can refer you on to an ENT specialist for further investigation.”

For anyone living with thyroid cancer or another form of head and neck cancer, support and information are available through Macmillan Cancer Support:

Macmillan Cancer Support

Soraya Manoucheri, Head and Neck Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

Early assessment of persistent symptoms remains one of the most important steps in improving outcomes.