In 2015, thyroid cancer ranked the 5th and 17th most common cancer in females and males respectively in Hong Kong. In 2016, thyroid cancer was responsible for 50 deaths in the city. Sadly, according to the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, the rise in the number of thyroid cancer cases shows no sign of stopping.1
Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer
The thyroid is a gland located at the base of the throat, below the voice box. It develops when the cells of the thyroid gland grow in an unusual way. Possible symptoms include a lump in the neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, and hoarseness in the voice.2
Causes of Thyroid Cancer
The exact cause of thyroid cancer is not yet known. However, some of the known risk factors include the following.2,3
- A history of the faulty gene named RET gene in the family
- Other thyroid conditions, e.g. an inflamed thyroid or goiter
- Radiation exposure, e.g. radiotherapy earlier in life
- Obesity
- Suffer from a bowel disorder known as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Suffer from a hormonal disorder known as acromegaly
The good news is most thyroid cancers are treatable, and that thyroid cancer has a high five-year survival rate of 97%.4
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