Thyroid Cancer Diagnoses Predicted To Set New Record in 2011

ThyCa (www.thyca.org) Urges Early Detection Through Neck Checks

In 2011, Thyroid cancer is expected to set a new record of 48,020 people newly diagnosed (with 1,740 deaths) in the United States, reports the nonprofit ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association (www.thyca.org), based on information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Cancer Society. In 2010, the totals were 44,670 people newly diagnosed and there were 1,690 deaths.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association urges everyone to learn about thyroid cancer and ask for a neck check at doctor's appointments. Thyroid cancer affects people in all age groups from children through seniors. It is the fastest increasing cancer in both men and women.

“Thyroid cancer is usually treatable when found early, so early detection is a key, and lifelong follow-up is just as important,” said ThyCa Executive Gary Bloom, 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.”

“Medical professionals are also essential to the detection of thyroid cancer,” continued Bloom. “A neck check can be as simple as touching the neck or watching the patient swallow. This can be done very quickly, but those few seconds could make all the difference when it comes to thyroid cancer. Most thyroid cancer is treatable, but some thyroid cancers are aggressive and difficult to treat.”

Free downloadable flyers, tools, and tips are available at www.thyca.org, and free materials are available from ThyCa by mail. ThyCa invites you to partner with ThyCa in Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, a worldwide observance that ThyCa sponsors each September, and to become involved in year-round awareness campaigns.