Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is cancer of the butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the throat. The thyroid uses iodine, a mineral found in some foods and in iodized salt, to help make several hormones that control heart rate, body temperature, metabolism, and the amount of calcium in the blood.

There are four main types of thyroid cancer: papillary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer, medullary thyroid cancer, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 44,020 people in the United States will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2024, and about 2,170 will die of the disease. Thyroid cancer is highly treatable, and the five-year relative survival rate is estimated at 98.4 percent.

Thyroid cancer is much more common among women than it is among men. Age and exposure to radiation are also risk factors.

Thyroid Cancer Screening (PDQ®) Thyroid Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)

Source: National Cancer Institute