What is a thyroid and what does it do?

  • It is a small, butterfly-shaped organ that wraps around your windpipe.
  • It is part of the Endocrine system, a network of glands and organs responsible for regulating a range of bodily functions through the release of hormones.
  • It plays a role in every cell of your body!
  • It impacts metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, weight and more.

When the full thyroid (sometimes after a partial as well) is removed, your body can no longer make thyroid hormone. As a result you will start to feel symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). You will need to take thyroid hormone replacement (levothyroxine, Synthroid, Levoxyl, Tirosint, etc.)

2022 statistics

The American Cancer Society’s most recent estimates for thyroid cancer in the United States for 2022 are:

  • About 43,800 new cases of thyroid cancer (11,860 in men and 31,940 in women)
  • About 2,230 deaths from thyroid cancer (1,070 men and 1,160 women)
  • Thyroid cancer is commonly diagnosed at a younger age than most other adult cancers.
  • Women are 3 times more likely to develop thyroid cancer than men.
  • Until recently, thyroid cancer was the most rapidly increasing cancer in the US, largely due to increased detection as a result of sensitive diagnostic procedures (done for other problems) which detected small nodules.

Resource blogs

Check out these organizations to learn more about thyroid cancer.

ThyCa

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals. They are dedicated to support, education, and communication for thyroid cancer survivors, their families and friends. ThyCa also sponsors Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, year-round awareness activities, and thyroid cancer research fundraising and research grants.

American Thyroid Association

The American Thyroid Association (ATA) is dedicated to transforming thyroid care through clinical excellence, education, scientific discovery and advocacy in a collaborative community. ATA is a global professional medical society with more than 1,700 members from 70 countries around the world. Their vision is a world in which there is “Optimal Thyroid Health for all”. Members and staff are dedicated to making the world a better place for patients suffering with thyroid disease and thyroid cancer. 

American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society’s mission is to free the world from cancer. They fund and conduct research, share expert information, support patients, and spread the word about prevention. Check out their website for more information on thyroid cancer, statistics, and the newest research.

NeedyMeds

NeedyMeds is a national non-profit that connects people to programs that will help them afford their medications and other healthcare costs. They aim to educate and empowers those seeking affordable healthcare.