Surprisingly, many people will develop thyroid cancer without exhibiting any of the common signs or symptoms. Don’t let this fact deter you from learning about the risk factors associated with thyroid cancer. Early detection and prevention greatly increase the effectiveness of natural treatments. A faulty thyroid is commonly linked to depression, which can introduce an entire subset of challenges. Learn about the following thyroid cancer risk factors to help maintain a healthy state of mind.

• Age: 67% of thyroid cancer patients occur between the years 20 and 55.
• Gender: Women are three times more likely to develop thyroid cancer compared to men. Women in the childbearing age range are most susceptible to papillary thyroid cancer.
• Early and continuous exposure to radiation i.e. x-rays can lead to thyroid cancer
• Inherited disorders: A mutation in the RET gene increases the chances of developing cancer. If the parent has the gene, the child has a 50% chance of also having the gene.
• Iodine deficiency: This is uncommon to the United States because iodine is typically added to table salt. Inland regions around the world without a proper fish and shellfish diet commonly experience lower levels of iodine.

Family history and genetic factors all increase the risk of developing cancer at some point in life. In 2010, approximately 45,000 new cases of thyroid cancer were diagnosed and women represented 75% of this group (American Cancer Society).

If you feel you may be at risk for developing thyroid cancer, the Naperville Institute for Neuro Metabolic Solutions has several thyroid treatments that can help.