11/14/2025
Thyroid cancer is becoming more common, especially in young adults, and women are almost three times more likely to get it than men. It grows in the small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck, and often develops slowly — so many people don’t notice it at first.
Early signs to watch for:
• A small lump or swelling in the neck
• A change in your voice (hoarse or deeper)
• Trouble swallowing
These symptoms can be very mild and easily mistaken for stress, allergies, or throat irritation.
Most thyroid nodules are harmless, but cancerous ones can spread to the lymph nodes or other areas if they are not treated. Early detection makes treatment much more successful.
Part of the rise in thyroid cancer comes from more imaging tests (like ultrasounds, CT scans) that detect nodules by accident. But many cases still go unnoticed until later, which is why regular neck checks and medical exams are important — especially for young women, who are at the highest risk.