14/11/2025
Thyroid cancer is on the rise, particularly among young adults, and women are three times more likely to be affected than men. This cancer often grows slowly inside the butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck and can develop without obvious symptoms, making it easy to overlook.
Early warning signs include a small lump or swelling in the neck, changes in voice, or trouble swallowing. These subtle changes are often dismissed as minor throat irritation, tension, or stress. While many thyroid nodules are harmless, cancerous ones can spread to nearby lymph nodes and other areas if left untreated.
The increase in thyroid cancer diagnoses is partly due to more medical imaging, which sometimes detects nodules incidentally. Despite this, many cases remain unnoticed until the disease progresses, highlighting the importance of regular neck self-exams and checkups. Early detection significantly improves treatment success and can prevent more serious complications. Staying alert to subtle changes in the neck is key for young women, who face the highest risk.
