The month of September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month. Specialists and thyroid surgeons, as well as institutions and organizations around the world will be working to improve people’s knowledge of this distinct form of cancer. In particular, it is the purpose of the awareness month to encourage early detection, and ensure that people who may be at risk for developing thyroid cancer receive the help they need when they need it most.
Dr. Teresa Kroeker is Austin’s leading thyroid surgeon and an expert in the field of thyroid and parathyroid health. This Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, she will be doing her part to improve awareness of thyroid cancer by sharing some important facts about this condition.
The Number Of Cases Of Thyroid Cancer Is Increasing
The rate of new cases of thyroid cancer is rapidly increasing (3.1 percent each year), most likely due to screening thyroid ultrasounds. While some may view this as a negative trend, in fact, it remains a positive one. Because more cases are being recognized, it means that more people can seek effective and comprehensive treatment options. In 2018, it is estimated that there will be 53,990 new cases of thyroid cancer. The mortality rate for thyroid cancer remains low, at just 0.3 percent.
Survival Rates Are Very Good
Despite the increasing number of cases of thyroid cancer being diagnosed every year, survival rates remain excellent. Current estimates suggest that 98.1 percent of all patients who are diagnosed with thyroid cancer will survive five or more years after their diagnosis. This is a very encouraging trend, as it speaks to both the short-term and long-term effectiveness of current treatment options, including thyroid surgery.
Thyroid Cancer Is Relatively Rare
With thyroid cancer diagnoses on the rise, many assume that it must be a common form of cancer. In fact, thyroid cancer is still relatively rare compared to other forms of cancer, like breast cancer or lung cancer. Indeed, thyroid cancer makes up just 3.1 percent of all new cancer cases in the United States every year. Typically, thyroid cancer is discovered in women three times more often than men and those with a family history of thyroid complications are more likely to develop the cancer. The median age for diagnosis is 51 years old.
Recovery Is Excellent
If thyroid surgery is determined to be necessary, the recovery is often quick. Patients are back to living their normal lives just a few weeks after their surgery. Dr. Kroeker’s excellent reputation as one of Central Texas’ leading surgeons draws patients from all over Texas and beyond for treatment of thyroid and parathyroid conditions. She performs hundreds of these surgeries in a year.
Address Your Thyroid Cancer Early
Get a neck check. Women and men should ask their primary care physician to palpate their necks. Currently, a physical examination is the only way to determine if symptoms of thyroid cancer are present.
If you’ve been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, don’t wait to address it. You can seek treatment today at the Texas Thyroid & Parathyroid Center in Austin with Dr. Teresa Kroeker. Schedule your consultation today, and move positively toward living your life cancer free.
