What are the Risk Factors for Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid Cancer: Risk Factors by Age, Family & Health

A risk factor indicates signs and patterns that increase the chances of developing cancer. For instance, some potential risk factors can be associated with a certain kind of condition, behaviour or even substance. 

Thyroid cancer may develop at any stage. However, it is commonly diagnosed in adults, with incidence increasing with age, particularly after 55 years, with women at a greater risk than men. 

Know the Different Risk Factors of Thyroid Cancer 

Over the years, medical researchers have identified several strong risk factors linked with developing thyroid cancer. These are as follows: 

1. Exposure to Ionising Radiation 

It is the most prominent risk factor for a person who may develop thyroid cancer. The age at which an individual is exposed to harmful ionising radiation affects the chance of developing the illness. 

Children who undergo radiation therapy to the neck and head remain at a higher risk of falling victim to thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer related to radiation exposure may develop after a latency period of several years to decades, with risk persisting throughout life. 

2. Non-cancerous Conditions of the Thyroid 

If a patient has a history of benign or non-cancerous thyroid conditions, their risk of being afflicted with thyroid cancer increases. Some of these conditions are: 

• Inflammation of the thyroid 
• Goitre (an enlarged thyroid as compared to its usual size) 
• Thyroid nodules 

3. Family History of the Specific Cancer 

When someone has a parent or sibling with thyroid cancer, they are at a greater risk of getting this disease. Doctors have assumed that this risk factor is possibly due to specific genetic conditions. 

4. Hereditary Conditions 

Various types of thyroid cancer can occur from the following typical hereditary conditions: 

• The most common subtype among the conditions is MEN2A, which can lead to medullary thyroid cancer accompanied by tumours in the parathyroid gland and the adrenal gland. 
• MEN2B is another inherited mutation that can cause medullary thyroid cancer with tumours in the nerve cells. 
• An individual can suffer from familial medullary thyroid cancer syndrome, which is another typical hereditary condition that causes cancer. 

5. Obesity 

A person can also become vulnerable to developing thyroid cancer if their body mass index (BMI) increases much above the healthy weight range. However, it is just an observation, as there is no clear reason for this outcome. 

6. Tall Height

Some studies have observed an association between greater adult height and thyroid cancer risk, but this is not a well-established or clinically actionable risk factor. It may have something to do with their hormone levels throughout life, such as in childhood, adolescence and adulthood. 

7. Acromegaly 

Acromegaly is an uncommon health condition that may develop when a person's body produces excessive growth hormone. This increased hormonal supply forces the bones and organs, including the thyroid gland, to grow more than the typical dimensions and as a result, these may become deformed. Individuals with acromegaly may develop thyroid cancer over time. 

Additional Possible Factors 

Other than the above-mentioned factors, more elements have been associated with thyroid cancer. However, significant research is necessary to clearly explain their role in developing cancer. 

• Iodine-deficient diet 
• Very high consumption of raw cruciferous vegetables may affect thyroid function, but there is no strong evidence linking normal dietary intake to thyroid cancer 
• Greater levels of TSH or thyroid-stimulating hormone 
• Diabetes 
• Female predominance in thyroid cancer suggests a role for hormonal and reproductive factors, but specific causes and mechanisms remain unclear 

Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer 

Most thyroid cancers do not cause symptoms early in the initial stages. However, some may experience symptoms such as: 

• Persistent cough 
• A lump (nodule) in the neck 
• A feeling that close-fitting shirt collars are becoming too tight 
• Voice changes 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Difficulty swallowing 
• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck 
• Neck and throat pain 
    

It is recommended that individuals experiencing any of the above symptoms should consult with a health care provider. 

Nonetheless, researchers have not found any direct link between thyroid cancer and lifestyle choices like drinking alcohol or smoking. 

You can lower the risks of thyroid cancer by consulting a healthcare professional. Additionally, you should prioritise maintaining a healthy weight and reversing diabetic conditions, if applicable. 

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. If you have concerns about thyroid health, experience symptoms, or have a personal or family history of thyroid disease, consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized evaluation and advice.

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