Thyroid Cancer Diagnoses Down, Deaths Up for 2018

Thyroid cancer diagnoses are predicted to decline to 53,990 in 2018, compared to 56,870 in 2017 in the United States, according to information from the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

In spite of this decline, deaths from thyroid cancer are expected to increase by 2.5% to 2,060 in 2018 from 2,010 in 2017. The thyroid cancer death rate has been gradually increasing for the last several years. 

Thyroid cancer affects people of all ages, from young children to seniors. About half of people diagnosed are under age 50 and three-quarters are female. 

“We are deeply troubled by the continuing rise in deaths due to thyroid cancer, particularly as diagnoses of the disease are expected to decline,” said ThyCa Executive Director Gary Bloom, himself a 22-year thyroid cancer survivor. 

“This disturbing trend signals a need for additional research, continued exploration of treatment options, more patient and public education and support, and renewed urgency around awareness and early detection,” continued Bloom. “These are key areas of focus for ThyCa, and we will continue to lead these efforts.” 

ThyCa urges everyone to learn about thyroid cancer and ask for a neck check, which takes only a few seconds and does not require special equipment, at their routine medical appointments. 

For free materials and tips for raising awareness, visit our Awareness page.