Because we can identify these malignancies so effectively, thyroid cancer has been developing at the quickest rate in the United States up until recently (Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, etc.). The fifth most frequent malignancy in women is thyroid cancer. The prevalence of thyroid cancer has increased since the 1970s. Thyroid cancer patients had a 98% overall 5-year survival rate, with a 95% or higher long-term survival rate.
Screening, early diagnosis, and prevention are essential for all malignancies. Undoubtedly, lowering the risk of thyroid cancer and early cancer detection is highly useful. We’ll go through the top 4 preventative measures for thyroid cancer in the section below (or avoid delaying the diagnosis).
Cut down on radiation exposure
Unquestionably, one of the two main risk factors for thyroid cancer is significant radiation exposure. The risk of thyroid cancer is increased by extensive radiation exposure to the head, neck, or chest, generally following the treatment of another malignancy (lymphoma, breast cancer, etc.). Others get exposure as a result of their line of work (x-ray technician, fluoroscopy technician, etc.).
By far, medical radiation is the most frequent source of exposure. In certain cases, strong doses of this medical radiation are directed toward the chest, neck, head, or face in order to treat various tumors. Before 1960, some patients even had low-dose radiation therapy for non-cancerous disorders affecting their skin, scalp, tonsils, adenoids, and other organs. The thyroid gland suffers damage from either indirect or direct exposure to this radiation, which also raises the chance of thyroid cancer. Limiting or reducing thyroid exposure is made much easier by wearing a thyroid shield and using more focused radiation.
Understand your ancestry
The same as with all other malignancies, heredity is a factor. While inherited genetic risk does sometimes exist with thyroid cancer, part of the genetics of thyroid cancer include changes in genes at the cellular level (mutations). Thyroid cancer risk is increased by a close relative’s (parent, grandparent, sibling, or kid) history of thyroid cancer. Even if there isn’t a genetic disorder, syndrome, or alteration (mutation) that specifically causes thyroid cancer, this nevertheless happens. Most of the time, the inherited gene or gene mutation that raises a family’s chance of developing thyroid cancer is unknown.
Perform self-checks or see your doctor to get examined
Self-checks are a crucial component of cancer prevention and detection. Self-examinations of your neck may aid in the diagnosis of thyroid cancer, just as they do for breast and testicular cancer. Almost many thyroid malignancies are quite mild and have no symptoms. Additionally, blood tests cannot accurately detect 95% or more of thyroid tumors.
A butterfly-shaped organ called the thyroid is located in the center of your neck, just above your collarbone. You may be able to feel a malignant thyroid lump or tumor by doing this self-check. The lymph nodes on the sides of your neck may potentially get infected with thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer that has spread outside of the gland may also create an enlarged lymph node, which can be found by doing a self-check on the sides of your neck.
Move your fingers over the area of your neck where your thyroid is located to conduct a self-check for thyroid cancer. Additionally, you would run your fingers up, down, and around the neck muscles on either side of your body as you turned your head. On both sides of your neck, there are lymph nodes that may support thyroid cancer ranging from just below your ear to your collarbone. Therefore, while doing a self-check for thyroid cancer, you should ensure that you are feeling the whole front and both sides of your neck.
Maintain an Active Lifestyle
Preventing thyroid cancer requires managing the components of your health and lifestyle that you can. Thyroid cancer is influenced by a number of significant, modifiable variables, including diet, exercise, and smoking cessation. Smoking is known to raise the risk of acquiring a number of chronic diseases and malignancies, including thyroid cancer. Additionally, obesity is associated with a higher risk of some malignancies as well as several chronic conditions.
Final thoughts
Thyroid cancer screening, prevention, and early diagnosis are essential. Thyroid cancer may be prevented and detected using a variety of methods. The importance of limiting radiation exposure, understanding your family’s medical history, doing regular self-exams, seeing the doctor often, obtaining a professional thyroid and neck ultrasound, and keeping a healthy lifestyle cannot be overstated. Trust only the finest professionals with your thyroid health and screening.
