Thyroid Cancer: Understanding Risks and Gaining Support

Thyroid cancer is the 12^th most diagnosed type of cancer in the United States. It accounts for more than 45,000 cases annually and about 2,300 deaths. Fortunately, for those with the disease, and their loved ones, the five-year survival rate is 98.5%, largely unchanged over the past 15 years.

Unfortunately, physicians don’t know exactly what causes the gene changes behind most thyroid cancers, so there is no known way to prevent the disease in people at average risk.

Thyroid Cancer Diagnostics

Until recently, new thyroid cancer diagnoses were rising faster than those of any other cancer in the U.S. The increase was driven largely by imaging tests such as CT and MRI scans, performed for unrelated medical issues. These tests often uncovered small thyroid tumors that might otherwise have remained hidden and harmless.

As doctors have applied stricter diagnostic criteria, the incidence rate has fallen by 1.4% per year from 2013 through 2022. Thyroid cancer also tends to occur earlier in adulthood than many other cancers, with an average age at diagnosis of 51.

Thyroid Cancer Shows Few Symptoms

In its early stages, thyroid cancer usually causes no symptoms. However, as the thyroid gland enlarges, subtle signs can begin to appear. The most common warning sign is a firm, painless lump or a sense of fullness at the front of the neck near the base.

Other signs can include clothing feeling tighter around the neck, persistent hoarseness or a deeper voice, trouble swallowing or breathing, a dull ache in the neck that may spread to the ears, and swollen lymph nodes that are not associated with a cold or infection.

Risk Factors for Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer risk may be higher for people assigned female at birth, those previously exposed to high levels of radiation, and individuals with certain inherited genetic syndromes. The disease is diagnosed about three times more often in women than in men, possibly due in part to estrogen levels. It is also 40%-50% less common among Black people then people in other racial and ethnic groups.

Radiation therapy to the head or neck can also increase risk. Inherited syndromes, including familial medullary thyroid cancer, multiple endocrine neoplasia, Cowden syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis, are associated with a higher risk. Medullary and papillary thyroid cancers can also run in families.

Living with Thyroid Cancer

For most people, a thyroid cancer diagnosis begins a long road of testing, treatment and follow-up. Care often includes surgery, thyroid hormone replacement and ongoing monitoring for recurrence. Many patients continue regular blood work and imaging for years after treatment to make sure the cancer does not return.

Because thyroid cancer is often highly treatable, survivorship care is an important part of the journey. It can help patients manage long-term hormone levels and side effects, as well as the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis.

Help at Every Step of the Cancer Care Journey

AON practices play a critical role in helping people with all types of cancer feel supported at every step of their journey through whole-person care. Providing highly effective care in community settings can reduce anxiety related to the time and expense of traveling to distant treatment centers and help keep patients on track with their treatment. Community practices can also help coordinate surgery, hormone management, symptom monitoring and referrals to other specialists when needed.

Beyond medical care, AON practices can connect patients with educational materials, emotional and financial support, and practical resources that make treatment easier to navigate. Better outcomes start with patients who feel informed and supported throughout their care journey.