Thyroid Cancer: Risks and Prevention

Researchers continue to focus on the confounding mystery behind the rapid increase in the rates of thyroid cancer diagnoses in the United States. Since 1973, the overall number of thyroid cancer cases has doubled, according to government health statistics.

Some scientists believe that the rise in thyroid cancer rates during this period can be attributed to advancements and refinements in the diagnostic process over the course of the last several decades. Others have contended that there may be environmental factors that could be contributing to the increase of thyroid cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, over 30,000 new cases of thyroid cancer are diagnosed each year. Approximately 1,500 deaths related to thyroid cancer are reported annually.

With diagnosis rates rising rapidly, is there anything you can to do to reduce your risk of developing this mysterious form of cancer? This week, we'll take a look at thyroid cancer risk and prevention techniques -- and help you develop a prevention plan based on your individual risk profile.

Are You at Risk for Thyroid Cancer?

As a result of increased research activity over the last several decades, scientists have been able to develop a more sophisticated risk matrix for thyroid cancer. You may have a greater chance of developing thyroid cancer if you fall into one or more of the following risk categories:

• Female sex. Women have a much greater chance of developing thyroid cancer than men do, although cases have been documented in both men and women.
• Middle adulthood. The vast majority of thyroid cancer diagnoses are made in adults between the ages of 30-50. However, even people outside of this age group should be aware of their thyroid cancer risk profile.
• Radiation treatment. If you were ever treated for any disease or condition with the application of targeted radiation, you are at higher risk for developing thyroid cancer. Radiation exposure during childhood and/or adolescence is linked with a particularly high rate of thyroid cancer in adulthood.
• History of Hashimoto's thryoiditis. If you or anyone in your family has been diagnosed with this thyroid disorder, you are at greater risk for developing thyroid cancer, especially thyroid lymphoma.
• History of Gardner's syndrome. A personal or family history of this disorder is also linked with increased incidence of thyroid cancer.
• Exposure to environmental radiation. People who have been exposed to radiation in their living or working environments also have an increased thyroid cancer risk. Common examples include living in close proximity to a site of a nuclear accident, past nuclear testing, or a nuclear energy facility.
• Iodine deficiency. Although most people living in developed nations are not vulnerable to iodine deficiency as a result of the now-standard practice of supplementing table salt and other foods with the mineral, iodine deficiency remains a strong risk factor for thyroid cancer.

Can Thyroid Cancer Be Prevented?

Although there are some factors that can increase one's chances of developing thyroid cancer, many people with none of these known characteristics still develop the disease every year. As such, many doctors are hesitant to identify specific steps that people can take to "prevent" thyroid cancer.

However, as with many other forms of cancer, early detection of thyroid cancer is often a very important element in determining the prognosis of the disease. If thyroid cancer is diagnosed early in its development, the success rate of subsequent treatment is often very high. As such, remaining vigilant to the early signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer may be the best form of prevention available. Symptom awareness is particularly important for individuals who have any of the known risk factors for the disease.

The easiest way to check for thyroid cancer is to physically check the neck area for abnormal bumps, masses, or growths on a regular basis. This can be accomplished by running the palm of the hand over the neck, as well as checking in the mirror for any unusual shapes in the neck region. Similarly, if you experience any strange sensations in the throat, you should talk to your doctor.

In addition, there is a genetic test that can help those with a family history of thyroid cancers or disorders determine whether the carry the gene that makes one more prone to developing medullary thyroid cancer. For those with very high genetic risk factors, preventive surgery to remove the thyroid gland is sometimes recommended.

If you are at risk for thyroid cancer, work with your doctor to develop a personalized prevention plan. And be sure to check back each week for the thyroid news and information you need most.

For Further Reading

• http://www.endocrineweb.com/thyroidca.html
• http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/thyroid
• ttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/thyroid-cancer/DS00492