Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month Spotlights Need for Early Detection and More Research09/2018
While the most common thyroid cancers are usually treatable if found early, some types and variants are often aggressive and difficult to treat. And, unlike many other cancers, the mortality rate for thyroid cancer has increased in recent years.
People of all ages, from infants through seniors, can be diagnosed with thyroid cancer. In addition, patients need lifelong daily medication and periodic testing following treatment. The expenses can be high, and treatments may have side effects that impact the patient’s quality of life.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. created Thyroid Cancer Awareness Week nearly 20 years ago, and expanded it to a full month, to create greater awareness about thyroid cancer.
Throughout Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, people worldwide communicate several key points:
- “Find It Early” messages to encourage medical professionals perform a quick neck checks through palpation using their fingers, together with expert follow-up if a nodule is found.
- The urgent need for more research for new treatments and cures for all thyroid cancer.
- Connections to thyroid cancer education with experts, the annual International Conference, support groups both in-person and online, and awareness and research fundraising events.
The nonprofit ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is marking its 23rd year of providing a wide array of free services and resources to thyroid cancer survivors, families, medical professionals, and the public around the world.For information and free resources, visit our website.