Health Tips – Thyroid Cancer

What should people know about thyroid cancer?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck. It is located below the Adam’s apple and makes hormones. These hormones help control blood pressure, body temperature, the rate at which the heart beats, and how fast food is converted into energy. Hormones from the thyroid gland also affect a child’s growth and development. The thyroid uses iodine, a mineral found in foods, to make some of its hormones.

Who gets thyroid cancer?

Thyroid cancer occurs two to three times more frequently in women than in men. Women between the ages of 35 and 65 are at highest risk of getting thyroid cancer, followed by older people (both men and women). Thyroid cancer also occurs more frequently in whites than in Blacks.

What causes thyroid cancer?

At this time, we do not know exactly what causes thyroid cancer. One known risk factor for getting cancer of the thyroid is exposure to ionizing radiation during childhood. In the past, before doctors were aware of the dangers, radiation was used to treat a variety of conditions including acne and swelling of the lymph nodes, tonsils and thymus gland. People who received radiation treatments to the head and neck in childhood are at higher risk of getting thyroid cancer.

Some studies also show that exposure to radioactive substances (such as radioactive iodine) during childhood may be associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer. Scientists are also studying the relationship between cancer of the thyroid and exposure to radiation or radioactive substances in adulthood, having a non-cancerous thyroid condition, having a relative with a non-cancerous thyroid condition and diet (including eating foods with iodine).

Is the number of people with thyroid cancer increasing?

The incidence of thyroid cancer has been increasing nationally over the past 50 years. Although some of this increase is most likely due to the use of radiation to treat some medical conditions, it does not account for all of the increase. Many thyroid tumors grow slowly and do not cause symptoms. Much of the increase in thyroid cancer appears to be small, slow growing tumors. This indicates that increased medical testing may be contributing to the increased rate of thyroid cancer. Mortality from thyroid cancer is not increasing.

What can I do to reduce my chances of getting thyroid cancer?

Avoiding unnecessary radiation is important for the prevention of many types of cancer. This is particularly important for children. Since thyroid cancer is easier to treat in early stages of the disease, people with known exposure to radiation during childhood, such as immigrants from the areas of Europe exposed to fall-out from Chernobyl, may want to talk to their doctors about early detection options. Because table salt is supplemented with iodine in the United States, most people here have adequate iodine intake.