Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month: What You Need to Know

Thyroid cancer is a topic that doesn’t always get as much attention as other types of cancer, yet it is one of the most rapidly increasing cancers diagnosed today. For many people, the thyroid is a mysterious part of the body they don’t think about until something goes wrong. However, this small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck plays a crucial role in maintaining our health. It regulates our metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, and even body temperature. When thyroid cells begin to grow abnormally and form a tumor, the result is thyroid cancer.

As a thyroid cancer survivor, raising awareness about thyroid cancer is particularly important to me. I feel compelled to help others understand what thyroid cancer is, how to recognize the signs and symptoms, and what options exist for treatment. It is important for people to understand that early detection can save lives. I am living proof of this fact.

Understanding the Thyroid and Its Role

The thyroid is a small gland located at the front of your neck, right below the Adam’s apple. Shaped like a butterfly, it sits against the windpipe and produces hormones that help regulate many functions in your body. Think of it as a “control center” for your metabolism, the process by which your body turns food into energy. Another way to think about it is to think of your thyroid like the engine in your car. When your thyroid is working properly, you probably don’t even notice it. However, when something goes wrong, it can impact your entire body, from your energy levels to your mood, weight, and overall well-being.

Thyroid cancer happens when cells inside the thyroid gland start growing uncontrollably. Normally, your body’s cells grow, divide, and then die off when they’re supposed to. But in cancer, cells don’t die when they should. Instead, they keep multiplying and can form a lump or mass called a tumor. Not all thyroid lumps are cancerous; in fact, many are benign (noncancerous) nodules. However, some can be malignant, meaning they have the potential to spread to other parts of the body.

How Common Is Thyroid Cancer?

You may be surprised to learn that thyroid cancer is more common than people think. In the United States, it is the most common cancer of the endocrine system. While it still makes up a relatively small percentage of all cancers overall, the number of thyroid cancer cases has been steadily rising over the past few decades.

The American Cancer Society estimates that tens of thousands of new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S. alone, with women being about three times more likely than men to develop it. It often affects people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, though it can occur at any age. Thyroid cancer is also one of the few cancers where younger people, especially women under 55, are more likely to be diagnosed. This is the category under which I fall.

The good news is that most people diagnosed with thyroid cancer have excellent survival rates. In fact, thyroid cancer has one of the highest long-term survival rates among all cancers, particularly when caught early and treated appropriately. This makes awareness all the more important; knowing what to look for and when to see a doctor can make all the difference.

Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

One of the tricky things about thyroid cancer is that it often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Many people, including myself, discover they have thyroid cancer during a routine physical or an imaging test for another issue. However, there are certain signs and symptoms to be aware of.

The most common sign is a lump in the front of the neck. Sometimes you can feel this lump when touching your neck, or even see it in the mirror when swallowing. Not all lumps are cancerous, but it’s essential to have a healthcare provider examine them.

Other possible symptoms include:

• Changes in the voice – such as hoarseness or a voice that sounds different than usual
• Difficulty swallowing – feeling like food is getting stuck in your throat
• Neck or throat pain – discomfort that may spread up to the ears
• Swollen lymph nodes – especially in the lower part of the neck
• Persistent cough – that isn’t linked to a cold or allergies

It’s important to note that having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean you have thyroid cancer. Many other conditions can cause similar signs. But if you notice a lump in your neck or any of these ongoing changes, it’s best to get it checked by a healthcare professional. Early detection is key.

Risk Factors for Thyroid Cancer

While anyone can develop thyroid cancer, some factors may increase your risk. Being aware of these doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get it, but it helps you stay mindful of your health.

• Gender and age – Women are more likely to develop thyroid cancer than men, especially before age 55.
• Family history – Having close relatives with thyroid cancer or certain genetic conditions can raise your risk.
• Radiation exposure – Previous radiation treatments to the head, neck, or chest, particularly during childhood, can increase risk later in life. Next time you visit your dentist for X-rays, ask the hygienist to provide you with a thyroid shield. The shield protects your thyroid from exposure to the X-rays. Unfortunately, I learned about the shield after I had my thyroid removed.
• Iodine levels – Excessive or insufficient iodine in the diet may play a role, as the thyroid gland uses iodine to produce hormones. In my particular case, it turns out I am allergic to high levels of iodine. As such, I am unable to consume shrimp, take certain antibiotics, or undergo a CT Scan with Iodine Contrast.
• Other thyroid conditions – People with goiter (enlarged thyroid) or certain thyroid disorders may have a slightly higher chance.

It’s worth noting that many people who develop thyroid cancer don’t have any obvious risk factors. That’s why awareness and regular checkups are so important. I am grateful that I have always been diligent about getting an annual physical. Had that not been the case, who knows how long the cancer would have remained undetected, as I had no physical symptoms letting me know something was wrong. When my doctor examined the lymph nodes in my throat, he was concerned and recommended that I undergo further testing. This additional testing revealed I had cancerous tumors within my thyroid. The only option was to have my thyroid and nearby lymph nodes completely removed to prevent the cancer from further spreading.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

Not all thyroid cancers are the same. There are different types, and they vary in terms of their aggressiveness and treatment.

Papillary thyroid cancer – This is the most common type, making up about 80% of cases. It usually grows slowly and often spreads to nearby lymph nodes, but it is highly treatable. This is the cancer I was diagnosed with. There was no way of knowing how long my tumor had been growing.

Follicular thyroid cancer – The second most common type, which also tends to grow slowly. It can sometimes spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or bones.

Medullary thyroid cancer – Less common, but it can sometimes run in families. Genetic testing is often recommended if this type is diagnosed.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer – A very rare but aggressive form of thyroid cancer that is harder to treat.

Knowing the type of thyroid cancer helps doctors decide the best treatment plan.

Diagnosis: How Is Thyroid Cancer Found?

If a doctor suspects thyroid cancer, they may start with a physical exam to check for lumps or swelling in the neck. They may also use imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, which can help determine if a lump appears suspicious. Blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels may be ordered, but thyroid cancer doesn’t always affect hormone production.

One of the most common ways to diagnose thyroid cancer is through a fine-needle aspiration biopsy, where a tiny needle is used to remove a small sample of cells from the thyroid nodule. These cells are then examined under a microscope to determine if cancer is present.

Treatment Options for Thyroid Cancer

Hearing the words “you have cancer” is always overwhelming. Those words rocked me to my core. Treatment options depend on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health.

• Surgery – This is the most common treatment. The surgeon may remove part of the thyroid (lobectomy) or the entire thyroid (thyroidectomy). If the whole thyroid is removed, patients will need to take thyroid hormone replacement pills for life.
• Radioactive iodine therapy – This treatment uses a special form of iodine to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue or cancer cells after surgery. Because the thyroid naturally absorbs iodine, this therapy is very targeted.
• External radiation therapy – Rarely used for thyroid cancer, but it may be considered if the cancer has spread or cannot be removed with surgery.
• Chemotherapy – Not commonly used for most thyroid cancers, but may be an option in certain aggressive cases.
• Targeted therapy and immunotherapy – Newer treatments that are used for advanced cases or when traditional treatments don’t work. These drugs specifically attack cancer cells while sparing much of the healthy tissue.

Life After Thyroid Cancer

For many people, the journey doesn’t end after treatment. Life after thyroid cancer may include regular checkups, blood tests, and scans to make sure the cancer hasn’t returned. If the thyroid has been removed, daily thyroid hormone replacement becomes part of life. These medications help regulate metabolism and keep the body running smoothly.

It’s natural to feel a mix of relief and worry after treatment. Many survivors deal with anxiety about recurrence or ongoing fatigue. Support groups, counseling, and staying connected with healthcare providers can make the adjustment easier. The important thing to remember is that thyroid cancer is often highly manageable, and many people recover fully and return to their normal lives.

Raising Awareness and Taking Action

Awareness matters because thyroid cancer is often silent in its early stages. Simple actions can make a significant difference, such as checking your neck in the mirror for lumps or consulting a doctor if you notice any changes. Public awareness campaigns encourage people not to ignore subtle symptoms.

Thyroid cancer awareness also helps break down fear. While hearing the word “cancer” is always frightening, understanding that thyroid cancer is often treatable and even curable provides hope. Awareness also supports fundraising for research, better treatments, and patient resources.

Final Thoughts

Thyroid cancer may not be the most talked-about cancer, but it is one that is rising in numbers and deserves our attention. By learning about it, recognizing the signs to watch for, and understanding the available treatment options, we can all take steps to protect our health and support others who may be facing this diagnosis.

While it’s too late for me, I feel it is my responsibility to raise awareness about thyroid cancer. Getting an annual physical regularly was how I was diagnosed. My diagnosis was a blessing, allowing me to obtain immediate medical intervention and prevent the further spread of cancer. The diagnosis became the catalyst that led me to embrace fitness as a way of reclaiming my health and vitality.

The thyroid is small, but its impact on the body is enormous. Likewise, awareness may seem like a small step, but it has the power to save lives. If you ever notice changes in your neck, voice, or swallowing, or simply have a gut feeling that something isn’t right, don’t ignore it. Early detection and treatment give the best chance for a healthy outcome.

Thyroid cancer awareness is about more than just facts and statistics; it’s about reminding ourselves that health is worth protecting, that our bodies give us signals we should heed, and that knowledge is one of the most powerful tools we possess.