Thyroid cancer rates in women have been increasing since the early 1980s, according to a report from the National Cancer Institute. The report states that the rate of increase in thyroid cancer doubled in 1993, doubled again in the year 2000, and then doubled annually through 2003. Thyroid cancer rates have also increased among men although less dramatically than it has increased in women. While the report showed that, overall, cancer rates are declining for men and women, the thyroid findings represent a concerning trend. Unfortunately, the cause of the increase is not yet known. Approximately 37,000 new cases of thyroid cancer are now found every year.
In an article in the American Medical News, experts speculate that increased awareness of thyroid disease, improved diagnostic techniques among physicians, and use of available tests might be part of the reason for the increase. But other experts in the article say this is not enough to account for the increase. Exposure to radiation in the environment and hormones found in women are other ideas that experts are considering. Such trends have to be followed and researchers will continue to search for explanations as to why thyroid cancer rates are increasing.
Risk Factors
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) the risk factors for thyroid cancer include:
- A diet low in iodine.
- Radiation – such as from radiation treatments for cancer, or years back to shrink tonsils or treat acne, or from radioactive fallout from nuclear weapons or power plants such as the incident at Chernobyl.
- Hereditary – The risk of thyroid cancer is greater among people who have first degree relatives who have had thyroid cancer and also there is a gene that can be inherited that increases the risk of thyroid cancer.
- Being a Woman – Thyroid cancer is three times more common in women than in men according to the ACS.
- Age – Thyroid cancer is more common among people between the ages of 20 and 60.
Although thyroid cancer rates are increasing, it is important to understand that there are still far fewer cases of thyroid cancer each year compared to certain other cancers such as breast or lung cancer. The ACS estimates that there will be approximately 48,000 new cases of thyroid cancer in 2011 compared to nearly 223,000 new cases of lung cancer in 2011. The ACS also points out that thyroid cancer is usually a very treatable disease with a five-year survival rate of 97 percent.
Symptoms
A person with thyroid cancer might not have any obvious symptoms or signs initially. Some people discover it by finding a lump or nodule in their neck, or their doctor discovers an abnormality during a physical examination. Not every lump or nodule, however, will be cancer. Other symptoms include a swollen neck, pain, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing. You should talk with your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Ask your doctor to examine and test you for thyroid disorders. Thyroid cancer can be diagnosed with a medical history, physical exam, needle biopsy, imaging, and blood tests.
While thyroid cancer is less common than other cancers, it is very important to be aware of the risk and to get appropriate treatment and care. Women in particular should be aware of the increasing risk of thyroid cancer. Whether you're a woman or a man, talk with your doctor about your risk of thyroid cancer and other thyroid disorders.
More Information
What Is Thyroid Cancer?, by the American Cancer Society. |
