Why Women Are More at Risk for Thyroid Cancer
January 04, 2023
It's not exactly clear why, but women are three times more likely than men to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
The thyroid is a small butterfly or shield-shaped gland in the neck that has a big role in controlling metabolism.
According to Kurtis A. Campbell, M.D., a board certified surgical oncologist at the Surgical Oncology at Mercy Medical Center, women and those with a family history are at greater risk.
"More likely than not - no one really knows for certain - but it probably has a significant degree to do to the amount of imaging that all individuals undergo," Dr. Campbell said.
Dr. Campbell explained that the vast majority of thyroid cancers present with no symptoms, but if you feel a lump in your neck, it should be evaluated. He added that the vast majority of thyroid cancers are curable.
View Mercy surgical oncologist Dr. Kurtis Campbell's interview regarding women and thyroid cancer.
About Mercy
Founded in 1874 in Downtown Baltimore by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Medical Center is a 183-licensed bed, acute care, university-affiliated teaching hospital. Mercy has been recognized as a high-performing Maryland hospital (U.S. News & World Report); has achieved an overall 5-Star quality, safety, and patient experience rating (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services); is A-rated for Hospital Safety (Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade); and is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet™ hospital. Mercy Health Services is a not-for-profit health system and the parent company of Mercy Medical Center and Mercy Personal Physicians.
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