Thyroid cancer is an uncommon type of cancer, but it becomes more prevalent for ages 25 to 65 (Cancer Treatment Centers of America) especially for ages 15 to 24 among females. It also develops three times more in females than in males (Department of Health, Philippines).

When cells change or mutate, thyroid cancer forms. The abnormal cells multiply in the thyroid, developing into a tumor when there are enough of them. While the clear reason why most people get thyroid cancer is yet unknown, there are risk factors that increase the odds of getting it (Pichardo, 2020) which make it impossible to avoid thyroid cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, there are risk factors that cannot be changed such as gender, age, and hereditary conditions. On the other hand, there are risk factors that can be changed.

• Exposure to radiation in the head or neck, especially for children treated with it highly increases the risk of having thyroid cancer. According to several studies, radioactive fallout from nuclear weapons or power plant accidents strongly contribute to a higher risk of having the cancer. Imaging tests like x-rays and CT scans contribute to this, too. However, adults who are exposed to radiation has much less risk. Limiting daily exposure to nonionizing radiation also lessens risk.
• Obesity is found out to be a risk factor for thyroid cancer among men and women in many studies. A greater body mass index (BMI) than normal also indicates insulin resistance and chronic low-grade inflammation, which drives to carcinogenesis and tumor progression among women (Renehan et al, 2008). Based on other studies, having a greater BMI is linked with a higher serum thyrotropin (TSH) level (Nyrnes et al, 2006). Having too high or too low TSH levels tell that the thyroid is not functioning properly. It is then important to manage weight through proper diet and exercise.
• Having excessive iodine in diet may increase the risk of papillary thyroid cancer. On the contrary, not enough iodine in the body does not make enough thyroid hormones which can lead to enlargement of the thyroid (goiter) and hypothyroidism. Mothers with iodine deficiency during pregnancy also affects the intellectual disabilities of infants and children. To lessen risk of thyroid cancer and iodine related diseases, enough iodine in the diet is necessary. Iodine can be naturally found in soil and seawater. Other common sources of dietary iodine are iodized table salt, dairy products (e.g. cheese, cows’ milk, frozen yogurt, ice cream, etc.), seafood (e.g. fish, seaweed, shrimp, etc.), eggs, prunes, some bread, and iodine-containing multivitamins.

DOH assures that thyroid cancer is highly curable by appropriate surgery alone. In addition, most thyroid cancers can be cured with treatment like thyroid hormone therapy, radiation therapy including radioactive iodine therapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and watchful waiting. However, treatments may have side effects and follow-up tests may be needed (National Cancer Institute).

To maintain good health, survivors should maintain a healthy weight, be physically active, follow a healthy eating pattern, not drinking alcohol, and not smoking tobacco as smoking increases the risk of many cancers.

BELLA M. BASALONG

References:

Department of Health (Undated)

Thyroid Cancer

Gabriela Pichardo, MD (2020)

What is Thyroid Cancer?

American Cancer Society (Undated)

Thyroid Cancer Risk Factors

Second Chances After Thyroid Cancer

Cancer Treatment Centers of America (2021)

Thyroid Cancer Symptoms

National Cancer Treatment

Thyroid Cancer Treatment (Adult)

American Thyroid Association, Whitney Woodmansee MD (Undated)

Clinical Thyroidology for Patients

Xu, et al. (2014)

Obesity and the Risk of Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A Pooled Analysis of Three Case-Control Studies