Thyroid Cancer Cheat Sheet

In the United States, more than 33,000 women are diagnosed with thyroid cancer annually.  Risk factors and warning signs may include:

Risk Factors:

  • I am a woman (Women are almost three times more likely than men to develop thyroid cancer.)
  • I am between the ages of 25 and 65
  • I have been exposed to high levels of radiation, radioactive fallout/iodine and/or have had many x-rays
  • I have a family history of medullary thyroid cancer or thyroid disease
  • I have a family history of goiters or colon growths
  • I have a personal history of goiters or benign thyroid nodules

Symptoms:

  • A lump in the front of the neck
  • Hoarseness or voice changes
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
  • Trouble swallowing or breathing
  • Pain in the throat or neck that does not go away

These symptoms can often be similar to other diseases and conditions. However, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor right away. You should discuss which of the following diagnostic tools may be appropriate for you: Blood tests, Needle Biopsy, Ultrasound.

Contact The National Women’s Health Information Center for information on health insurance coverage or free clinics. Visit www.womenshealth.gov or call 1-800-994-9662. 

Remember, early detection equals survival!

This information was provided by the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute.

This information was reviewed by the Cancer Schmancer Medical Advisory Board.

Last updated: August 2010

Comments

Not just a womens disease

Submitted by Guest on August 12, 2011 - 09:04.

My husband was diagnosed with stage IV Follicular Thyroid Cancer 2 years ago at the age of 45. A consultation visit with an Oral Surgeon for a Wisdom tooth extraction brought up concerns on why the right side of his neck was not symetrical with the left side. Oral Surgeon passed him over to the ENT Dr. & 2 weeks later after testing, he began the fight of his life. Surgery, I-131 & EB radiation treatments have helped, but after all that, back in surgery May of this year for removal of another (new) tumor. Stage IV is an ongoing continual fight! He has no family history, nor did he have any of the classic symptoms other than the entire right side of his neck was larger than the left. (It appeared to look more muscular on that side.) Even though his Thyroid was surrounded within a 3.5lb tumor it was still fully functioning! Cancer is a sneaky, tricky, strong & ugly disease. We need to continue posting and learning all we can about it, and continue to pay close attention to our body's. As I tell anyone that will listen..."Knowledge is power!!" Thanks to Fran & all that post on this site, passing on our knowledge, we continue to give power!!!

thyroid cancer

Submitted by Guest on September 17, 2010 - 14:58.

I has thyroid cancer 12 years ago. non of the risk factors except age and being female. A woman doctor found the lump in my throat. Had radiation and then full body scans for a few years until the shots were invented...did not have to go off my medicine any more! Thank you for this website...it is fabulous...you have to be your own advocate for your bady ! Thank you!