'Love Island' star Demi Jones encourages cancer checks

Love Island star Demi Jones has been encouraging people to get checked out if they spot any signs of cancer.

The reality star was diagnosed with thyroid cancer last year before becoming free of the disease in December.

Jones was treated at Portsmouth's Queen Alexandra Hospital which has seen a large increase in people being referred for diagnostic tests for head and neck cancers since Jones went public with her diagnosis.

Read more: Love Island star Demi Jones announces she is cancer free

Jones commented on the increase of people seeing their doctor: "I'm thrilled to see an increase in the number of people getting tested for head and neck cancers since I've openly shared my personal story, it really highlights the impact of social media and how important it is to talk.

She added: "Although it's a horrible thing to go through, I'm so pleased to have helped people and continue to encourage, especially young people, to get checked and potentially save lives."

Jones regularly updated her social media followers on her experience of cancer up to her being declared cancer free 28 weeks ago.

At the time, she wrote on Instagram: "I’M CANCER FREE!!!! I did it! I got my full body scan results back and there’s not a single cancer cell left in my body, it’s been such a difficult year mentally and physically for me with my surgeries and treatment but I’m beyond grateful for everyone’s kindness and support over this past year.

"I will continue to be an advocate for cancer awareness and all my love and strength goes out to those who continue to fight this awful disease, here’s to a healthy and happy 2022."

Jones also nominated her surgeon Costa Repanos Best Doctor in the national Who Cares Wins health awards, run by The Sun newspaper and NHS Charities Together.

Repanos said of being nominated: "It's really humbling to realise, particularly for cancer patients, the profound, life-changing effect that we have on our patients' lives. For such a young lady, Demi is an incredibly brave, smart and determined individual and it's been a pleasure to have been involved in her care."

Watch: Love Island's Demi Jones says she's been trolled after sharing thyroid cancer diagnosis