September Is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month: Episcopal Health Services Physician Discusses Prevention Tips and Ways to Reduce Risk

Far Rockaway, New York, September 2, 2026 — According to the American Cancer Society approximately 45,240 new cases of thyroid cancer  will be diagnosed this year with approximately 2,320 deaths from thyroid cancer.  This type of cancer is almost 3 times more common in women than in men and is often diagnosed at a younger age than most other adult cancers. The average age when a person is diagnosed with thyroid cancer is 51. 

In recognition of Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month Sheldon Genack, MD, Chair of the Department of Surgery at Episcopal Health Services (EHS), says many cases of thyroid cancer which develops in the thyroid gland are discovered incidentally during imaging tests performed for unrelated conditions, often before symptoms even develop. According to Dr. Genack, one of the most common warning signs of thyroid cancer is the appearance of a lump or swelling in the neck. He says, while not every lump is cancerous, any new swelling or mass should be evaluated by a physician.  

Dr. Genack recommends the following steps to help reduce the risk of factors of thyroid cancer and explains the signs and symptoms.

Thyroid Cancer Prevention Tips

• Limit radiation exposure: Avoid unneeded X-rays or head and neck imaging, especially in children, and ask for protective shields when medical scans are necessary.
• Maintain good health: Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables and keep a healthy body weight to reduce overall cancer risks.
• Consume enough iodine: Ensure your diet includes normal, healthy amounts of iodine through foods like iodized salt, seafood, and eggs
• Know your family history: If you have a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister, or child) with thyroid cancer, you are at an increased risk of developing it as well. 
• Excess body weight: People with excess body weight have a higher risk of thyroid cancer than those who do not have excess weight. The risk increases as body mass index increases.

Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

• A lump in the front or side of the neck or swelling
• Pain in the front of the neck, that sometimes goes up to the ears
• Hoarseness or other voice changes that do not go away
• Trouble swallowing and breathing
• A constant cough that is not due to a cold