Thyroid cancer risks and prevention

In most cases, it’s not possible to prevent thyroid cancer because experts don’t always know what causes the disease. Often, thyroid cancer doesn’t cause any signs or symptoms early on, and most people with thyroid cancer have no known risk factors.

However, there are steps you can take to protect your thyroid. Talk with your primary care doctor or one of Penn Medicine’s thyroid specialists to evaluate your risk factors. As with all cancers, early detection is crucial because many thyroid cancers are highly treatable when detected early.

Most thyroid cancers develop without a known cause, but you can take steps to potentially lower your risk, including:

• Limit radiation exposure: Medical imaging plays an important role in diagnosis. However, for non-essential x-rays, discuss alternative options with your doctor or dentist to minimize radiation exposure, or request a shield that protects your head, neck, and body. 
• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for various cancers, including thyroid cancer. Work toward a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise. 
• Do regular self-checks: Learn how to perform self-checks of your thyroid gland at home which involves feeling the front of the neck for any lumps or nodules.  
• Understand your family history: Certain types of thyroid cancer can be hereditary. Talk to your family members about their health history and discuss any concerns with your doctor. 
• Eat a balanced diet: While no specific diet has been proven to prevent thyroid cancer, eating a well-rounded diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help reduce the risk of thyroid cancer.

Thyroid health: Living near nuclear facilities

If you live within a 10-mile radius of nuclear facilities, consider keeping potassium iodide (KI) pills on hand as a precaution to protect your thyroid health. KI helps block the effects of radioactive iodine, a substance that could be released in a rare accident. It’s most effective if taken before or shortly after exposure. Thyroid cancer is treatable, but prevention is the best approach.