Thyroid cancer originates in the cells of the thyroid — a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. This gland produces thyroid hormones that regulate blood pressure, weight and body temperature. Most people suffering from thyroid cancer show few or no symptoms, which can make a timely diagnosis problematic. Hence, this type of cancer is usually diagnosed through the routine examination of the neck during a general physical checkup. Sometimes, it might get detected accidentally through X-rays or scans that are performed for other health issues. This article hence explores the causes and preventative measures for thyroid cancer in detail.

Causes of thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer is of various types, some grow aggressively and others grow slowly. Though symptoms are few or nil in this disease, it is essential to know about the causes and risk factors, so that you can take at least some measures to prevent its occurrence.

• While solitary nodules or lumps in the thyroid gland are mostly benign, they might be cancerous if found in people older than 60 years or younger than 30 years.
• A solitary nodule in men has a higher chance of being cancerous than one found in women.
• Women are more at risk of developing thyroid cancer than men. Also, this cancer can mostly appear in women aged between 40 and 50 years and in men between 60 and 70 years.
• If a solitary nodule is found to be growing quickly, it might be a sign of thyroid cancer.
• A diet that is lacking in enough iodine can also cause thyroid cancer, especially if the patient is exposed to radiation.
• Other risk factors are genetic predisposition and diabetes that is not managed well.

Preventative measures for thyroid cancer
Though it cannot be entirely prevented, there are some ways in which you can reduce your risk. These preventative measures for thyroid cancer include:

• Getting a prophylactic (preventive) surgery
  Changes in certain genes can increase the risk of thyroid cancer. Genetic tests can be conducted to confirm the same. If thyroid cancer has been detected once in a family, the next generations can be protected. So, a person might choose to have his or her thyroid completely removed to prevent the cancer from developing at all.
• Following a healthy diet
  A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in animal fat can limit the risk of many cancer types, including thyroid cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Unsaturated fats (omega-3 fatty acids), found especially in salmon and other fishes, might help protect against this cancer. Maintaining the right weight can also help protect against several diseases, including thyroid cancer.
• Limiting exposure to significant levels of ionizing radiation
  This is one of the best preventative measures for thyroid cancer. Precaution must be especially taken for children so that they stay away from high levels of ionizing radiation. You need to take extra care for infants too. The exposure to radiation fallout and a history of radiation therapy to the head, neck or chest in infancy/childhood have been associated with thyroid cancer.
• Going for regular checkups
  Every few years, you should get yourself checked for TSH levels and nodules in the thyroid gland. This is especially necessary if you notice symptoms like sudden weight gain, weakness, sensitivity to cold, etc. You can also check yourself for lumps in the front of your neck. Consult a doctor if your voice sounds hoarse without any apparent reason or you face any difficulty with swallowing.

So, apart from keeping the preventative measures for thyroid cancer in mind, watch out for lumps or pain in the neck, persistent coughing or soreness, or voice changes. However, not every symptom indicates thyroid cancer, and you shouldn’t panic. Consult a doctor at the earliest and get a proper diagnosis, so that the best form of treatment can be administered.