Thyroid cancer on the rise in US: 5 symptoms women should know

Cancer is one of the many chronic diseases on the rise in the US. The rush for a successful life includes skipping meals while bingeing on junk, spending long nights at the office and staying cooped up at home watching shows on the weekends. The result of this is the elevated number of cancer cases among the youth, which has become a rising concern for health experts.

Thyroid cancer starts in the thyroid gland, which is responsible for making hormones that regulate the metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature, states the American Cancer Society. According to it, about 44,020 new cases of thyroid cancer were estimated in the US for the year 2025. As compared to most cancers, thyroid cancer is often diagnosed at a younger age, 51. Additionally, it is 3 times more common in women than in men. This is why it is vital for women to be aware of the symptoms of cancer to be able to hope for a timely diagnosis. Here are 5 symptoms of thyroid cancer women must know.

One of the most noticeable symptoms of thyroid cancer is the formation of a lump or nodule in the neck. This can easily be acknowledged by touching the thyroid area. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, thyroid nodules affect up to 80% of women, however, only 5-15% of these lumps are cancerous.

As per the National Cancer Institute, changes in the voice or hoarseness in the throat can be an alarming sign of thyroid cancer in women. The thyroid gland is located near the larynx, and if the cancer spreads, it can affect the normal voice.

Swallowing is a symptom of thyroid cancer as per the National Cancer Institute. It can become a difficulty if the tumour enlarges and presses on the oesophagus. If you observe constant pain or the feeling of something stuck in the throat while swallowing, then it's important to consult a medical professional.

Disturbed sleep and fatigue are the most common symptoms in people with advanced thyroid cancer, as per a 2024 study by BMC Cancer. The thyroid gland plays an important role in energy production, and disruptions in it due to cancer can lead to tiredness, restless sleep and emotional distress.

Sudden weight loss is significantly associated with the risk of thyroid cancer, stated a 2019 study published in Nature. This is because thyroid cancer can cause metabolic changes in the body, leading to unexpected weight loss. If you find yourself facing other symptoms of thyroid, it is vital to keep tracking your weight too.

As mentioned above, thyroid cancer is more common in females. According to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database – a cancer reporting system in the United States, thyroid cancer cases have more than tripled in the USA between 1980 and 2016. They have risen from 6.15 to 21.28 per 100,000 women. Thus, it is vital to be on the lookout for the symptoms in order to get timely treatment.

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment and before changing your diet or supplement regimen.