Republic Act No. 10786, an Act declaring the fourth week of September of every year as the National Thyroid Cancer Awareness Week is celebrated to inform the public of the symptoms and early actions to prevent the disease. The celebration also coincides with the International Celebration of Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month.
The thyroid gland normally found right below the Adam's apple on the bottom front of the neck resembles a little butterfly. This gland controls the metabolism. It secretes hormones that govern a range of biological activities, such as the utilization of energy, the generation of heat, and the consumption of oxygen.
Thyroid cancer arises when cells alter or mutate. Once the abnormal cells in the thyroid have multiplied sufficiently, it will form a tumor. Initially, thyroid cancer may display no symptoms. However, when the tumor grows, it can cause symptoms such as neck enlargement, voice changes, and difficulty swallowing.
There are numerous forms of thyroid cancer, the majority of which progress slowly while some can be highly aggressive. According to the Department of Health recent statistics, Thyroid cancer ranked 7th and the most prevalent endocrine-related cancer in the Philippines. Each year, its prevalence increases, particularly among women and those under reproductive age.
According to the American Cancer Society, the majority of Thyroid Cancer instances cannot be prevented because there are no established risk factors. Thyroid cancer is caused by inherited genetic defects. Cancer is one of the genetically transmissible diseases. In two out of ten occurrences of medullary thyroid cancer, for instance, the disease is caused by an inherited gene mutation. In addition, if an individual does not consume enough iodine, he/she may be more susceptible to some types of thyroid cancer. In addition, if head or neck was exposed to radiation therapy as a child, an individual may have been exposed to radiation that could potentially cause thyroid cancer. Significantly more females than males are diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
In addition, radioactive iodine is the most common treatment for metastatic tumors. Treatment options for thyroid cancer depend on the type and stage of the disease, as well as the individual’s general health and personal preferences. #JEballe/NASLabordo
Reference
American Cancer Society. (2019). Can Thyroid Cancer Be Prevented. cancer.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer/causes- risksprevention/prevention.html#:~:text=Most%20people%20with%20thyroid%20cancer,to%20tr eat%20less%20serious%20diseases.
DOH. Thyroid Cancer. https://doh.gov.ph/Health-Advisory/Thyroid-Cancer
National Institute of Health. Thyroid cancer treatment (adult) (PDQ) - patient version. National cancer
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Pichardo, G., MD. (2020). What is Thyroid Cancer. https://www.webmd.com/cancer/what-is-
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Raboca, J. C., Jimeno, C.A.., Kho, S.A., Andag, A.A., Jasul G.V., Nicodemus, N. A. jr., Cunanan, E. C., Duante, C. A. (2012). The Philippine Thyroid Diseases Study (PhilTiDeS 1): Prevalence of Thyroid Disorders Among Adults in the Philippines. https://www.asean-endocrinejournal.org/
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Ryder, M., MD. (2022). Thyroid Cancer. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thyroid-
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