A new record total of 62,980 people will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2014 in the United States, according to the nonprofit ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. (“ThyCa”). Thyroid cancer affects people of all ages, from children through seniors and has one of the fastest increases in incidence of any cancer in recent years.
“Although thyroid cancer is one of the most common cancers, it is also one of the most survivable,” says Dr. Jeffrey Faulkner, E.N.T. at Connally Memorial Medical Center. “The incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing, but a lot of that increase has to do with advances in diagnostic techniques and an increase in the availability of affordable ultrasound imaging. Fifty years ago you could not go to your church or community center and get high quality ultrasound screening. Now it is common and so nodules that are not large enough to cause compressive symptoms or large enough to be felt are being found at a higher rate. The take-home message is that if you have a thyroid nodule that is found incidentally, don’t panic. Most are benign and if the nodule does prove to be a cancer, the current treatment of thyroid cancer is very effective.”
What is the thyroid?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck just below your Adam’s apple that produces hormones that regulate the metabolism.
What are some potential risk factors?
If you have a family history of thyroid cancer, are over forty years old, have had prior radiation exposure or are female, you might be at an increased risk for thyroid cancer. While both women and men get thyroid cancer, more than two-thirds of diagnoses are of women.
How can I tell if I have thyroid nodules?
To help find nodules, your doctor can perform neck checks routinely during check-ups. Also, you can do a simple Neck Check Self-Exam by using the following steps:
- Locate the thyroid gland by focusing a small mirror on the lower front area of your neck, above the collarbones and below the voice box.
- While focusing on this area in the mirror, tip your head back.
- Take a drink of water and swallow.
- As you swallow, look at your neck in the mirror. Check for any bulges or protrusions in this area when you swallow.
Reminder: Don’t confuse your Adam’s apple with the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located lower, closer to your collarbone.
- If you do see any bulges or protrusions, see your physician. They will be able to further evaluate your findings.
Free Tools and Tips are Available on www.thyca.org.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. a nonprofit organization founded in 1995 and advised by 47 thyroid cancer specialists, provides free support services, publications, and many more resources to thyroid cancer survivors and their families around the world.
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