Thyroid cancer is a common type of cancer that affects the thyroid gland which is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism. There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer, including age.

In this article, we will discuss when age plays a role in thyroid cancer risk and what individuals can do to reduce their risk.

Types of thyroid cancer

There are four main types of thyroid cancer: papillary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer, medullary thyroid cancer, and anaplastic thyroid cancer.

Papillary and follicular thyroid cancers are the most common types, and they tend to occur in individuals over the age of 40. Medullary thyroid cancer is less common and tends to occur in individuals with a family history of the disease. Anaplastic thyroid cancer is the most aggressive type of thyroid cancer, and it can occur at any age.

Age and thyroid cancer risk

The risk of developing thyroid cancer increases with age, especially after the age of 40. According to the American Cancer Society, the average age of diagnosis for thyroid cancer is 54.

Women are more likely to develop thyroid cancer than men, and the risk increases for individuals who have a family history of the disease.

Thyroid cancer in children and young adults

While thyroid cancer is more common in older adults, it can also occur in children and young adults.

According to the American Thyroid Association, thyroid cancer is the most common type of cancer in adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 and 29. The most common type of thyroid cancer in this age group is papillary thyroid cancer, and it is often associated with radiation exposure.

Children who received radiation treatments to the head, neck, or chest before the age of 10 are at an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer later in life.

Reducing the risk of thyroid cancer

While age and family history are factors that cannot be changed, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk of developing thyroid cancer. These steps include:.

Avoiding exposure to radiation: Individuals should avoid unnecessary radiation exposure, including medical imaging tests like CT scans and X-rays, especially if they have already received radiation treatment to the head, neck, or chest.
Having regular check-ups: Individuals should have regular check-ups with their healthcare provider to monitor their thyroid function and screen for signs of thyroid cancer.
Eating a healthy diet: A healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources can help reduce the risk of cancer.
Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption: Tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of thyroid cancer, as well as other types of cancer.

Conclusion

While age is a factor that increases the risk of developing thyroid cancer, it is not the only factor.

Individuals can take steps to reduce their risk of developing thyroid cancer, including avoiding radiation exposure, having regular check-ups, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. Early detection is key in treating thyroid cancer, so individuals should talk to their healthcare provider if they have concerns about their thyroid health.