While it may not get the same widespread attention that other diseases receive, thyroid cancer is becoming a major concern in the medical community. Statistics show the incidences of the cancer have increased about 6.5 percent and doctors are unsure why, according to The Indianapolis Star.
The trend has become even more prevalent in women under 45, because thyroid problems in general - not just cancer - are more common among the demographic. While some may blame the rise in cancer cases on the fact that better screening methods are catching more, others think it could be related to poor diets and unhealthy lifestyle choices.
"There is definitely something going on," Dr. Tod Huntley, otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon, told the newspaper. "How much is due to increased surveillance and detection and how much is due to an actual biological change in disease prevalence, we don't know, but we know it's both."
The National Cancer Institute estimates as many as 1,780 people may die from thyroid cancer in 2012, with more than 56,000 new cases being diagnosed. The American Thyroid Association is committed to raising awareness about the disease and other disorders, and Frendo supports the organization through fee-free donations. Sign up now.
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