Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month Posted or Updated on 6 Feb 2023

Throughout December you may notice some of our notice boards change to spread awareness around thyroid cancer.

Thyroid cancer develops in the cells of the thyroid gland, which is a butterfly shaped gland located just below the adams apple in the neck. The thyroid gland makes and release hormones and is found at the front, lower area of your neck. It causes difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, a lump on the neck and swollen lymph nodes. It is treatable by a medical professional and often requires lab testing or imaging throughout diagnoses and treatment. Whilst thyroid cancer can affect anyone, it is more common in ages 35 to 50, and more common in females. Family history can also increase your risk factor.

So now you know a bit about what thyroid cancer is… What are the symptoms that you should be looking out for?

• Hoarse voice
• Neck pain, accompanied by ear pain (in some cases)
• Trouble swallowing
• Swollen lymph nodes
• A painless lump in the neck or swelling to the front of the neck (although only around 1 in 20 lumps are cancerous)

You can perform regular checks by doing a Thyroid Neck Check.

1. Stand in front of the mirror.
2. Extend the neck, slightly pointing the chin towards the ceiling.
3. Take a sip of water.
4. Look for lumps as you swallow.
5. Feel for enlargements or bumps (below the adams apple for males).

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms we would advise you to book a GP appointment to be reviewed. The GP can examine your neck and organise a blood test to check how well your thyroid is working. If it is felt necessary, you will be referred onto a specialist who can arrange an ultrasound scan, biopsy and other further tests that may be required. There are lots of treatments for thyroid cancer and the specialist can help you choose the best management plan for the future.

Of course, if you have any questions but do not feel the need to see the GP, our non-clinical cancer champions are available to find the answers to any queries you may have.