Thyroid cancer is most prevalent between ages thirty to fifty years; however, if diagnosed in a timely fashion it has a high cure rate. Compared to males, females have a higher rate of this illness and it is not related to tonsils which is a common misunderstanding.
These views were expressed by consultant endocrinologist at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre Dr Umal Azmat, during an interview, on World Thyroid Day.
Dr Umal further said that thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck and it consistently releases a certain amount of hormones into the body. The balance of hormone allows normal functioning of the body. These glands use iodine in the food to synthesise hormones; therefore, a sufficient amount of iodine in our food intake is very important for normal functioning of the thyroid gland.
The health expert noted that due to a lack of medical facilities, awareness, and resources, there is no concept of annual healthcare check-ups in Pakistan. Initial thyroid changes or enlargement are generally ignored and patients will mostly contact a doctor when the condition worsens to the extent that breathing and eating become difficult. The risk factors for thyroid cancer include family history, radiation, and some genetic syndromes.
Thyroid cancer is the 11th most common cancer in females in Pakistan and 90% of endocrine cancers are thyroid cancer, Dr Umal said.
The treatment for this type of cancer does not involve chemotherapy. Instead, surgery is used to partially or completely remove the gland. Other than surgery, radioactive iodine and thyroxin suppression therapy are used to treat this cancer. The treatment of thyroid cancer is normally well tolerated and if diagnosed at in a timely fashion most patient become disease free after treatment, he added.
In a message for the public, Dr Umal said that if any person suspects a thyroid issue, he/she should not ignore it and should approach a doctor immediately. Timely diagnosis is most important as delay can need to unnecessary complications.
World Thyroid Day is commemorated every year on May 25 globally.
