Beloved radio personality DJ Nicole Hyala, known off-air as Emmylou Gaite-Tiñana, shocked fans on June 23 when she revealed via Instagram that she has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Despite the life-altering news, Nicole maintained a calm and hopeful tone in her post, emphasizing faith and strength as she prepares for treatment.
“So… I just found out I have thyroid cancer. And surprisingly, I am calm,” she wrote. “But before you panic, experts say thyroid cancer is often called the ‘friendliest’ cancer. And that’s good, because I’ve already been through worse.”
Nicole shared her resolve to face this challenge with the same courage she has shown through past hardships. “I’ve faced battles that broke me, seasons that nearly crushed me. But here I am, still standing, still smiling, still kumikinang.”
She added, “This diagnosis wasn’t part of my plan, but it’s part of God’s. I trust He’ll walk me through this too.”
The radio host boldly declared her readiness for the journey ahead, telling cancer it picked the “wrong girl.” “Mali ka ng kinalaban. Wag ako,” she joked, reinforcing her unwavering spirit.
According to the World Health Organization, thyroid cancer develops in the thyroid gland at the base of the neck and affects hormone regulation. It includes four main types: papillary (most common), follicular, medullary, and anaplastic.
Data from the Department of Health in September 2024, during National Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, showed that thyroid cancer ranks among the top 10 most common cancers in the Philippines. Around 7,777 new cases are reported yearly, with women being most frequently affected.
Symptoms may include a lump or swelling in the neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and throat pain, which can often lead to early detection. Its reputation as the “friendliest” cancer stems from its high curability and favorable prognosis, especially when caught early.
Nicole shared she is set to undergo a thyroidectomy in July, a standard surgical treatment for thyroid cancer and other thyroid-related conditions.
As she faces this health challenge, Nicole asks her followers for prayers and positivity. “Let’s do this,” she declared. “With God beside me, I know I can ride this wave too.”