These are the reasons for the increase in thyroid cancer cases

Most thyroid cancers don't cause any symptoms, and 95% of them are benign . This means they have a high survival rate: approximately 90%. But that doesn't mean they shouldn't be considered important or that diagnosis and treatment aren't necessary.

In fact, experts say it's important to approach the disease with a vision that goes beyond survival . Focusing on quality of life, not just cure, considering that this is a disease that leaves lasting consequences, such as hypothyroidism or hypoparathyroidism .

In fact, Arantxa Sáez, president of the Spanish Thyroid Cancer Association (AECAT), points out that "no two thyroid cancers are the same, because no two patients are the same. True personalized medicine begins with actively listening to the patient and recognizing their individual needs."

And he emphasizes the need for progress in healthcare, both clinical and social aspects . Hence the importance of early detection and expert treatment as key "to ensuring a good prognosis, preserving the patient's quality of life, and reducing the recurrence rate," according to Eduardo Ferrandis , spokesperson for the Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC).

More cases of thyroid cancer

Another reason why it's a disease worth considering is its increasing prevalence, according to experts. It's estimated that 6,495 new cases will be diagnosed in 2025, according to the report "Cancer Figures in Spain 2025 ," prepared by the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM).

Although Sáez points out that one of the reasons has to do with "the improvement in diagnostic techniques, especially ultrasound and fine-needle punctures, which allow for the detection of very small nodules that previously went unnoticed, there are also environmental, hormonal, and genetic factors that may influence the increase in cases."

Woman between 30 and 50 years old

This is precisely the most common profile of thyroid cancer patients, but the expert affirms that " it can affect anyone at any age." In fact, she points out that there are also cases in men, older people, and even, although less frequently, in minors .

Although it's important to keep in mind that the proportion is three to four times more common in women than in men. "There's no single explanation, but specialists suggest that female hormones and the changes we experience throughout our lives ( menstruation, pregnancy, menopause ) could play an important role in the development of the disease. There are also autoimmune factors, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is much more common in women," says Sáez.

Symptoms that raise alarm bells

For all these reasons, Ferrandis advises "seeking a specialist if you experience a lump in your neck, persistent changes in your voice, difficulty swallowing, or a feeling of cervical pressure, as these symptoms may be warning signs of a thyroid lesion."

Once the diagnosis is made, the gland must be removed . Next, "we need lifelong hormone replacement therapy . Today, thanks to medical advances, most thyroid cancers have a very favorable prognosis, with a survival rate of over 90% according to REDECAN figures, but the process is long and can significantly affect quality of life, hence the importance of mentoring and support from other patients," concludes Sáez.