When a Child or Teen Has Thyroid Cancer

People of all ages, from young children to seniors, can get thyroid cancer. While the number of children and adolescents diagnosed with pediatric thyroid cancer is very small compared to the numbers among adults, the impacts are substantial for the young person as well as the families involved.

“We are all grateful that most children and adolescents with thyroid cancer have positive outcomes,” writes Lauri Huber, parent and ThyCa volunteer. “However, it is unnerving and frightening to have a child with cancer.” Lauri and Pam Mendenhall, who is also a parent and ThyCa volunteer, moderate ThyCa’s Pediatric Thyroid Cancer E-Mail Support Group.