How to Prevent Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is a potentially life-threatening condition in which a malignant tumor develops in the thyroid gland. If left untreated, cancerous cells can spread to other organs, and a sufferer's survival rate decreases. Like most types of cancer, early detection and prevention is the key. Unfortunately, there isn't a surefire way to prevent thyroid cancer, but there are ways to lower your chances of developing this illness.

Instructions

• 1

  Know your risk. Having a family history of thyroid cancer greatly increases your chances of developing this illness. Additionally, being exposed to radiation during childhood raises your risk.

• 2

  Eat a low-fat diet. High-fat diets greatly increase your chances of developing thyroid cancer, so limit your intake of fatty foods and stay away from fast foods. Rather, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

• 3

  Maintain a healthy weight. Along with healthy eating habits, controlling your weight is essential to lowering your risk. If you're obese or slightly overweight, resolve to lose a few pounds. You can achieve this by limiting your intake of sugary and fatty foods and starting a workout regimen.

• 4

  Talk to your doctor about preventive surgery. Having a defective RET gene increases your chances of developing medullary thyroid cancer. In this case, doctors can surgically remove the thyroid gland. While this procedure prevents medullary thyroid cancer, it doesn't stop the development of other types of thyroid cancer.