Thyroid cancer incidence increases threefold

The incidence of thyroid cancer in society has increased threefold. Contributing factors to this rise include unhealthy diets, increased exposure to carcinogens, and obesity. However, modern technology also plays a significant role by allowing for earlier detection of suspicious nodules.

Associate Professor Mehmet Köstek, a General Surgery Specialist at Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital, emphasizes that thyroid cancer can be treated before leading to serious consequences if detected in its early stages. He advises individuals with a family history of thyroid cancer or those who have undergone radiation therapy to undergo ultrasound screenings, even in the absence of symptoms.

While thyroid nodules are common and only a small fraction are cancerous, regular monitoring is recommended. The most frequent type is the papillary type, which is generally slower-moving, whereas the anaplastic type is more aggressive and deadly. Additionally, medullary thyroid cancer arises from hormone-producing cells. Statistics indicate that thyroid cancer is four times more common in women than in men.