It's still September which means it's not too late to spread the word about thyroid cancer.
Thyroid cancer is the fastest increasing and the most common endocrine cancer. It occurs in both men and women; however, it mostly affects women. In fact, it has now become the 5th most common cancer in women. According to the American Cancer Society, there are around 62,980 people with this condition wherein 47,790 are women and 15,190 are men. Around 1,060 women and 830 men will die of thyroid cancer in 2014.
Though this news is a sad reality, there are many things people can do.
One is to perform a neck check. Feel if there is a lump in your neck. If there are swellings or fullness in the neck, changes in voice, and difficulty breathing or swallowing, please visit a thyroid specialist. Although most thyroid nodules are benign, one should still discuss this with the physician as some thyroid cancers can be aggressive and difficult to treat. Plus, one must undergo tests to determine which type it falls. Most importantly, take into consideration everything your physician says.
Two is to avoid stress. The link between stress and cancer may be difficult to define more or less to prove. But if you look at it closely, stress complicates everything - school, work, relationship, especially health. All I can say is that stress triggered mine. The lump in my neck became more noticeable that I needed to cover my neck with my medium-length hair.
It may be difficult but I tried various activities to eliminate the stress. Fortunately, it worked for me. Stress will always be there but a person should be able to identify things or activities that will help them cope with difficult times.
Three is to NOT stress other people. Don't be the cause of other people's misery. We all have different lives and struggles. If you think that you're in the worst position, do not blame others and start hating them. You do not only stress other people but yourself as well. Life is difficult as it is. But if we know the people, things or activities that make us happy, we will be able to take on any problem.
Four is to have faith. Have faith in God. Trust Him. Talk to Him. Listen to Him. He will give you strength.
We may be on the last days of September but it does not mean we should forget what we learned about thyroid cancer or any other disease. Continue acquiring knowledge, spread the word, and inspire people! And remember, thyroid cancer is NOT A GOOD cancer. No cancer is!
Visit the ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc.
