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Thyroid Cancer Diagnoses Predicted To Set New Record in 2006 (03/06)
ThyCa Urges Early Detection Through Neck Checks

Thyroid cancer, one of the few cancers that is increasing in incidence, is expected to reach a new record of 30,180 people newly diagnosed in the United States in 2006, reports ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association (www.thyca.org). This is 17 percent higher than last year, nearly 50 percent higher than 4 years ago, and nearly double the number from 10 years ago, according to information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Cancer Society.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association urges everyone to learn about thyroid cancer and request a neck check at each doctor's appointment. Thyroid cancer affects people in all age groups from children through seniors. It is the number one cancer in terms of increase in incidence among women and number three among men.

“Early detection is a key to treating thyroid cancer, and lifelong follow-up is just as important” said ThyCa Board Chair Gary Bloom of Olney, Maryland, a thyroid cancer survivor. “Many thyroid cancer survivors first become aware that they may have cancer when they notice a nodule on their lower neck. Others notice changes in their voice or breathing or swallowing. While most thyroid nodules are benign, we want everyone with thyroid cancer to benefit from early detection and treatment.”

“Doctors are also essential to the detection of thyroid cancer,” continued Bloom. “Done properly, a neck check can be as simple as touching the neck and watching the patient swallow. This can be done very quickly and won’t cause any delays for the medical office, but those few minutes could make all the difference in the world when it comes to thyroid cancer. Most thyroid cancer is treatable if found early, but some types are very aggressive and difficult to treat.”

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc. is a national, all-volunteer nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals dedicated to support, education, and communication for thyroid cancer survivors, their families and friends, as well as to thyroid cancer awareness and research. ThyCa sponsors the national Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month in September and provides free awareness outreach and educational materials throughout the year.

For more information about ThyCa’s free year-round support services, education, and publications, e-mail to thyca@thyca.org, call toll-free 1-877-588-7904, write to PO Box 1545, New York, NY 10159-1545, or visit the web site.

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