In 2018, nearly 60,000 Americans will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers, as annual cases have tripled over the last three decades. Also, it’s not just older individuals who are at risk, as it is the fifth most common cancer for women between the ages of 20-34. As with most cancers, the sooner it is treated, the higher the likelihood that you’ll make a full recovery. Below, we hope to shine a light on the importance of thyroid screenings, even if you’re young.
The Importance Of Thyroid Screenings
No matter your age, it is worthwhile to undergo a thyroid screen, especially if you are female. More than two-thirds of new cases of thyroid cancer occur in women, and as we noted above, it’s not just happening to women in their 60s and 70s. In fact, about two percent of cases occur in children or teens, so parental monitoring needs to take place as well.
So what should you look for in your child or on your body that could suggest that you have an issue with your thyroid or thyroid cancer? Some symptoms include:
- Visible lumps on the neck
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Voice changes
- Hoarseness
- Chronic cough not related to a cold
If you notice any of the above symptoms, head in to a thyroid surgeon’s office for a closer evaluation, because the sooner treatment begins, the better the outlook for your future. The good news is that the five-year survival rate for individuals diagnosed with thyroid cancer is roughly 98 percent, but it can still be deadly. More than 2,000 individuals are expected to lose their battle with thyroid cancer this year, so aggressive treatment is recommended.
Thyroid Cancer Screenings
There has been some debate over the benefit of thyroid cancer screenings, and the US Preventive Services Task Force has actually issued a statement saying that individuals with no signs or symptoms of thyroid cancer do not need to pursue a screening. There are a number of reasons for this, with the lead being that there isn’t much evidence that suggests catching the cancer during an asymptomatic screening provides better treatment outcomes than if it is uncovered during a screening at the first onset of symptoms.
With that said, it is absolutely imperative that you receive a screening exam if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. These symptoms are clear indicators of a potential problem, and the sooner the cancer is detected, the more likely it can be easily treated with no long lasting consequences.
Minnesota Thyroid Doctor
Dr. Koeplin has performed numerous diagnostic exams and surgeries to treat thyroid cancer, and he has an extremely high success rate. As thyroid cancer rates continue to increase at around 5 percent annually, we need to be diligent at checking for signs and symptoms and reach out to a thyroid specialist at the first suspicion of a problem. For more information or help with anything thyroid related, reach out to Dr. Koeplin’s office today.
