Risk Factors
Certain factors may increase the chance of developing thyroid cancer, though these factors do not directly cause cancer. Some people with many risk factors never develop thyroid cancer while others with no risk factors do develop thyroid cancer.
Risk factors for thyroid cancer include:
- Radiation exposure: High doses to the head or neck, especially in childhood, increase risk. Routine X-rays or dental scans are low risk.
- Family history or inherited conditions: Certain gene changes, such as in the RET gene, can raise risk for medullary thyroid cancer. Syndromes like Cowden’s or Werner’s can also increase risk.
- Gender and age: Women are about three times more likely than men to develop thyroid cancer. Most cases occur between ages 20 and 55.
- Iodine deficiency: Low iodine levels can increase risk, though this is uncommon in the U.S.
- Other thyroid conditions: Enlarged thyroid (goiter), thyroid nodules, Hashimoto’s disease, or thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis) may slightly raise risk.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese may increase the likelihood of developing thyroid cancer.
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What is Cowden Syndrome?
Cowden syndrome is a rare inherited condition that causes multiple noncancerous growths and increases the risk of certain cancers. It affects about 1 in 200,000 people, though it may be underdiagnosed. People with Cowden syndrome can develop cancers at younger ages than usual, including breast, uterine, colorectal, kidney, skin (melanoma), and thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer in Cowden syndrome is most often the follicular type, though papillary thyroid cancer can also occur, with an estimated risk ranging from 3% to 38%.
What is Werner Syndrome?
Werner syndrome is a rare inherited condition that causes premature aging, sometimes called adult progeria. Signs usually appear in the teen years with slower growth, and by the 20s, features of aging—such as graying hair and changes in skin—become more noticeable. People with Werner syndrome may face serious health complications earlier in life, often by their 40s or 50s. The condition also increases the risk of certain cancers, including thyroid cancer, melanoma, osteosarcoma, and soft tissue sarcomas.
Thyroid Cancer Prevention
In most cases, it’s not possible to prevent thyroid cancer because the exact cause is unknown. Often, thyroid cancer does not cause any early signs or symptoms, and many people diagnosed have no identifiable risk factors.
However, there are steps you can take to protect your thyroid and support your overall health. Talk with your primary care doctor about strategies that may help.
Ways to Reduce Your Risk
- Limit unnecessary radiation: Discuss alternatives or protective shields for non-essential X-rays or imaging.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Eat a balanced diet and get regular exercise.
- Know your family history: Talk with relatives about thyroid conditions and consider genetic counseling if thyroid cancer runs in the family.
- Perform self-checks: Learn how to feel your thyroid for lumps or changes in the neck.
- Eat a balanced diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may support thyroid health.
