Nicosia: Cyprus is recording an increase in cases of thyroid cancer, which makes it necessary to investigate the causes, the Cyprus Association of Cancer Patients and Friends (PASYKAF), said on Tuesday. The organization noted that based on the most recent data, in 2022 there were 305 new cases in women and 111 in men, compared to 242 in women and 70 in men in 2021.
According to Cyprus News Agency, PASYKAF emphasized the significance of these numbers in a press release marking World Thyroid Day, May 25. The Cyprus Cancer Archive’s data highlights that thyroid cancer ranks as the second most common cancer in women and the sixth in men. PASYKAF’s Director of Prevention and Social Marketing, Georgia Orfanou, remarked on the evident rising trend in thyroid cancer cases, urging that it is imperative to investigate the causes behind this increase to implement more targeted early diagnosis practices and mitigate known risk factors.
On World Thyroid Day, PASYKAF reiterated the crucial role of early diagnosis and prevention of thyroid diseases. Through its prevention and early detection program, PASYKAF promotes public awareness, aiming for timely and effective treatment of the disease. The association stressed that early diagnosis is vital for the successful treatment of thyroid cancer, as it is often fully curable when detected early and treated appropriately.
Regular throat checks by a doctor and self-examination of the neck area at least once a year are advocated by PASYKAF as preventative measures. These practices can help identify potential nodules. The organization also lists persistent hoarseness and the presence of a neck mass that impedes swallowing as warning signs necessitating specialist investigation.
PASYKAF highlighted several risk factors for developing thyroid cancer, noting that women are 5-8 times more likely than men to develop thyroid gland issues. Additional risk factors include age, family history, heredity, exposure to radiation during childhood, obesity, a history of diabetes, and low dietary iodine intake.
The organization offers informational material, lectures by health professionals, and further information on thyroid cancer to the public, underscoring its commitment to raising awareness and providing support.