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Mayo Clinic Minute: Does thyroid cancer affect women more than men?
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Women are three to four times more likely than men to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer. However, recent research shows that men face an equal risk of developing this type of cancer.
Dr. Victor Bernet, a Mayo Clinic endocrinologist, says men also need to be aware of thyroid cancer risks.
Journalists: Broadcast-quality video (1:05) is in the downloads at the end of this post. Please courtesy: "Mayo Clinic News Network." Read the script.
The thyroid is a small gland located at the front of your neck. It plays a role in regulating the body's metabolism.
About 44,000 people are diagnosed with thyroid cancer each year in the U.S.
"It appears to be the sixth-most common cancer in women and about the ninth-most common cancer in men," says Dr. Bernet.
In the past, it was believed that women developed thyroid cancer more than men. However, recent data shows that women are often diagnosed with a less aggressive, relatively non-life-threatening form of thyroid cancer. But when it comes to advanced thyroid cancer, the risks are the same for both men and women.
"Men have a risk, and we're not catching them as much," says Dr. Bernet.
The cause of gender disparities in thyroid cancer is unclear. But one theory is that women are more proactive about their health and seeing their doctor regularly, leading to more diagnoses.
"So, in actuality, they probably don't have as much of a higher risk than we thought," explains Dr. Bernet.
Many people don't experience symptoms of thyroid cancer. If you notice a lump or swelling in the neck, see your healthcare professional.
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