Thyroid cancer is among the most frequently diagnosed types of cancers today. New information is coming out regularly about what it is, who is more at risk and the principal causes of this disease.
Preventing Thyroid Cancer
Avoiding radiation exposure is a necessary measure in preventing thyroid cancer. Also, in some parts of the world, iodine deficiency may be associated with an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer. The consumption of iodized foods such as seafood, dairy products as well as iodized table salt can prevent a deficiency of the trace element.
Risk Factors for Thyroid Cancer
There are certain groups of people who are more likely to get thyroid cancer than others. Let’s look at some of its most common risk factors.
Radiation Exposure
Radiation exposure can increase the risk of malignant tumors in the thyroid gland. For example, the incidence of malignant thyroid tumors in children and adults increased significantly in Belarus, Ukraine and Russia after the Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident in 1986. It can take many years for thyroid cancer to develop after radiation exposure. Additionally, radiation to the neck or areas of the body near the neck to treat another malignancy can increase the likelihood of developing thyroid cancer. Working or spending time in an environment with radiation without proper protection may also increase the chances of developing thyroid cancer.
Genetic Factors
Some people diagnosed with medullary thyroid carcinoma have a genetic predisposition to this malignancy. Medullary thyroid cancer is sometimes associated with syndromes such as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) Type 2A and 2B. In these syndromes, several tumors form on other glands in the body including the thyroid. This includes tumours of the adrenal glands (pheochromocytoma) and/or abnormalities of the parathyroid glands. Since this disease is based on a genetic abnormality that is inherited, family members of people with MEN Syndrome should speak to their health care provider and should be screened. Other forms of thyroid cancer have been shown to carry a genetic cause. People with familial adenomatous polyposis (Gardner’s syndrome) and PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (Cowden syndrome) may be at an increased risk of thyroid cancer. Some forms of papillary thyroid cancer have been found to run in families. The cause remains unclear.
Iodine Deficiency
Iodine deficiency may increase the likelihood of developing thyroid cancer. Iodine deficiency can lead to an enlarged thyroid gland (a condition known as goiter) which can often result in lumps forming in the enlarged thyroid gland. In areas where people do not get enough iodine in their diet, the risk of developing thyroid nodules increases. These nodules are usually not malignant.