Why More South Africans Should Pay Attention to Thyroid Cancer

It’s International Thyroid Awareness Week and health experts say South Africans can’t afford to ignore the signs anymore.

Thyroid cancer may not be a household name like breast or prostate cancer, but it’s silently gaining ground in South Africa — and it could affect anyone. As the world marks International Thyroid Awareness Week (May 25–31), doctors are urging South Africans to become more aware of their thyroid health.

While the thyroid is just a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, it has a powerful job. It controls the body’s metabolism, which affects everything from energy levels to heart rate. But when something goes wrong — especially when cancer develops — the effects can be serious, especially if left undiagnosed.

Thyroid Cancer: Quiet But Dangerous

Globally, thyroid cancer is the 7th most common cancer, according to the Global Cancer Observatory. In South Africa, precise data is still limited, but specialists are seeing a rise in diagnoses, thanks in part to better access to scans and diagnostics.

“Thyroid cancer is treatable, especially when caught early,” says Dr. Eric Moore, a head and neck surgeon at the Mayo Clinic. “In many cases, minimally invasive surgery can remove the cancer while preserving much of the healthy thyroid tissue.”

However, not all thyroid cancers are the same. Some forms are aggressive and more difficult to treat. That’s why early detection is so important.

What Causes Thyroid Cancer?

Doctors still don’t fully understand what causes thyroid cancer in every case, but some known risk factors include:

• Radiation exposure (especially to the head and neck)

• Family history of thyroid cancer

• Genetic changes in thyroid cells

Interestingly, women are diagnosed more often than men — but that doesn’t mean they’re at greater risk. According to Dr. Victor Bernet, an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic in Florida, women are often quicker to seek medical attention, which helps catch the disease earlier. Men, on the other hand, tend to delay checkups, leading to later — and riskier — diagnoses.

Early Symptoms Are Easy to Miss

One of the biggest dangers of thyroid cancer is how quiet it can be in its early stages. Most people don’t feel sick at first. But as the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

• A lump or swelling in the neck

• Hoarseness or voice changes

• Trouble swallowing

• Throat or neck pain that doesn’t go away

Because these signs can be mistaken for minor issues, many people delay getting checked. But the earlier the cancer is caught, the easier it is to treat.

Treatment Options: What You Should Know

If diagnosed early, thyroid cancer treatment is highly effective. Surgical options depend on the type and stage of the cancer:

• Thyroidectomy: Complete or near-complete removal of the thyroid.

• Lobectomy: Removing one half (or lobe) of the thyroid — often done when the cancer is slow-growing.

• Lymph Node Dissection: If the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, they may also be removed.

After surgery, patients often need hormone therapy to keep their metabolism working properly. Recovery and treatment vary based on the patient’s condition and how far the cancer has spread.

Why Awareness Matters for South Africans

Even though thyroid cancer isn’t among the top cancers discussed in South Africa, it’s no longer something that can be brushed aside. The disease doesn’t discriminate — it can affect any gender, any age, and progress silently.

So during Thyroid Awareness Week, South Africans are encouraged to listen to their bodies and seek help if they notice anything unusual. A simple checkup can make all the difference.

Thyroid cancer may be silent, but it isn’t powerless — not if we catch it early. Don’t wait. Talk to your doctor if you notice anything out of the ordinary.

{Source: IOL}

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