The American Society of Clinical Oncology estimates that 56,460 adults in the United States (13,250 men and 43,210 women) will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer this year. It is currently the fastest-growing cancer in America and the # 5 cancer for women. The chance of being diagnosed with thyroid cancer has risen in recent years and is now more than twice what it was in 1990.
What is thyroid cancer?
Thyroid cancer is a cancer that starts in the thyroid gland. In most cases there are no symptoms therefore it will go undetected and can progress to advanced stages before people are aware they have a thyroid problem. In the more advanced stages a person might experience hoarseness or difficulty speaking, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and pain in the throat or neck.
The first indication of thyroid cancer is the discovery of a lump in the neck (a Nodule) within the thyroid gland. People can develop thyroid nodules at any age, but they occur most commonly in older adults. Fewer than 1 in 10 adults have thyroid nodules that can be felt by a doctor. Ultrasound is the most effective tool to identify these nodules.
Thyroid ultrasound to identify nodules is not typically performed at your annual physical, and nodules cannot be identified through blood work. Heartscan Services is the only screening company that has made this screening a part of their preventative program. To date Heartscan Services has had over 1,503 who were recommended follow up due to the presence of a nodule. Many of the nodules required biopsies and some required surgery to remove the cancerous thyroid. The thyroid screening has proven to be lifesaving in identifying early, the fastest growing cancer in men and women.
56,460 – estimated new cases of thyroid cancer in the United States this year.
15 million – estimated number of the 30 million Americans with thyroid disorders who remain undiagnosed.
18.6 % – Incidence rate per 100,000 of thyroid cancer among women, almost double the rate in 1999. It is the fastest-rising cancer in both men and women.
99.9% – Five-year survival rate for localized thyroid cancer.
Most thyroid nodules are benign, but about 1 in 20 is cancerous
Treatments for thyroid cancer include surgery, radioactive iodine treatment, external beam radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In most cases, patients undergo surgery to remove most of the thyroid gland, and are treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
While the prognosis for most thyroid cancer patients is very good, it is important that patients get regular follow up throughout their lifetime.