Thyroid cancer affects the thyroid gland, an endocrine gland located towards the front of the neck, near the collarbone. It secretes the essential hormone known as thyroid, which is essential for the growth and development of the human body. It helps with metabolism and keeps all the essential organs working properly.

Thyroid cancer affects more than 55,000 people in the country every year. Females are three times more likely to get this disease. Preventative measures for thyroid cancer are just a few in numbers since the risk factors of this disease are not definitive.

What causes thyroid cancer?
It is not yet known what exactly causes thyroid cancer. Alteration in the DNA structure of an individual may cause thyroid cells to mutate and become cancerous. The cells start multiplying arbitrarily as a result of the DNA change turning off tumor-suppressing genes. As a result, new cells are formed which if either of your parents has damaged DNA, you may inherit it.

While the exact causes of thyroid cancer are not known, there are known risk factors that increase the chances of you getting the disease. Preventative measures for thyroid cancer can be followed to eliminate some of the risk factors. Some common risk factors are:

• Exposure to radiation

Radiation is sometimes used to treat cancer. Children who have received radiation treatment in the past for some form of cancer are at a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer. People, especially children living in areas where there has been a nuclear disaster are exposed to radiation and are very likely to develop thyroid cancer. Adults are less likely to suffer such effects of radiation.

• Age and Gender

Women are three times more likely to get thyroid cancer than men. For women, the high-risk age group is between 40 and 50. For men, it is between 50 and 70. Cancer develops faster in men.

• Genetics

Family history plays a huge factor in deciding whether you would get this disease or not. If one of your blood relatives has a history of thyroid cancer, you are more likely to get it as well.

• Iodine deficiency

In order to make thyroid hormones, your body requires iodine. Thyroid cancers are prevalent in those areas of the world where people suffer from iodine deficiency.

How can thyroid cancer be prevented?
Preventative measures for thyroid cancer include:

• Genetic tests

These tests are conducted to reveal gene mutations. If any of your blood relatives have a history of thyroid cancer, you may inherit the mutated genes from them. If the genetic tests reveal cancer, the thyroid gland can be removed to stop the growth of cancer.

• Dietary changes
  

Eating fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of getting the disease. Following a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables and low in fat is recommended. Omega 2 fatty acids found in salmon also helps prevent cancer.

• Iodine

Adding iodine to your salt may help prevent thyroid cancer.

Thyroid cancer is a serious condition and can lead to severe health complications. However, preventative measures for thyroid cancer can be followed to reduce the risks of it occu rri ng. With proper care and treatment, thyroid cancer can be completely cured.