Former Home & Away star diagnosed with cancer.

Former Home & Away star Tessa James has been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

The 23-year-old, who is married to rugby league player Nate Myles, shared the news via a statement to The Daily Telegraph:

“Former Home and Away actor, Tessa James today announced she has been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma,” the statement said. “She has returned home to the Gold Coast to be with her husband, Gold Coast Titans Co-captain, Nate Myles”.

“Tessa will be undergoing chemotherapy over the next few months,” the pair said in the statement. “Tessa and Nate would like to thank all for their well wishes and would ask for privacy during this very difficult time.

James, who played Nicole in Home & Away for three years, has reportedly returned home to Queensland from the USA where she’s been living and pursuing acting opportunities.

She will start chemotherapy shortly.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is the same form of cancer that Delta Goodrem was diagnosed with at the age of 18.

According to the Leukaemia Foundation:

Hodgkin lymphoma, also called Hodgkin disease, is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system forms part of the immune system. It contains specialised white blood cells called lymphocytes that help protect the body from infection and disease. Hodgkin lymphoma arises when developing lymphocytes undergo a malignant change, and multiply in an uncontrolled way. These abnormal lymphocytes, called lymphoma cells, form collections of cancer cells called tumours, in lymph nodes (sometimes known as ‘glands’) and other parts of the body.

The cancer affects 550 Australians every year, one third of whom are aged between 15 and 30.

Our thoughts are with Tessa and her family and we’re wishing her all the best.