MCC Daily Tribune

Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month

You may have seen the three-colored ribbon which represents Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month. It’s at this time, each September that medical organizations, health-focused nonprofits and cancer survivors come together to encourage early detection, highlight demographic groups that are particularly susceptible to thyroid cancer and provide information to educate and stories to inspire. But before we dive in, it’s always good to cover some basics about the thyroid.

What is the Thyroid?

The thyroid is a small gland located in the base of the neck. It is shaped like a butterfly and produces thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones are very important because they influence how all other bodily cells, tissues and organs function. For instance, your heart, brain, liver and kidney all depend on the correct amount of thyroid hormone to do their jobs properly.

Thyroid dysfunction occurs when the thyroid produces either too much or too little thyroid hormone. This is a problem because it disrupts so many other functions in your body. If your thyroid is making too much hormone, the condition is called hyperthyroidism. Or, if it is producing too little hormone, you have hypothyroidism. Also, the thyroid can develop lumps called nodules. They’re usually not cancerous, but in some cases may be.

Thyroid cancer can recur up to 30 years later!

Thyroid cancer is the 12th most common cancer in adults, but women are 3 times more likely than men to be affected by this disease. It is also one of the most common cancers to affect young people between the ages of 15–24. This year, the National Cancer Institute estimates 44,300 new cases will be diagnosed in the United States.

The 4 Types of Thyroid Cancer

Each type of thyroid cancer has a unique incidence rate and prognosis. Papillary and follicular thyroid cancers are considered differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). DTC is a common malignancy that comprises the majority (85–95%) of these cases. Although surgery is a widely accepted method of treatment for DTC, the extent of surgical management is still debated in many cases.

Check Your Neck! What is a Thyroid Screening?

A thyroid screening is a safe, easy and non-invasive procedure. First, your medical care provider may palpate (or feel) your neck for unusual lumps. If they find something out of the ordinary, they may administer or recommend an ultrasound examination.

Following the ultrasound, if they find anything concerning, they may refer you for follow-up care. If you have a known family history of thyroid cancer, exposure to radiation, or if you are a woman between the ages of 20 and 55, consider talking to you doctor about having your thyroid screened.

Sarah Benedict
MCC Wellness Council
09/30/2022