Rising Thy.roid Can.cer Deaths: Doctors Warn—The Farther You Stay Away from These 5 Things, the Better

Avoiding these five factors can significantly reduce the risk of thyroid cancer—especially for women.

Although the thyroid gland is small, it acts as a vital “hormone factory” that regulates many essential functions in the body. According to GLOBOCAN 2022, thyroid cancer records more than 821,000 new cases worldwide each year. In Vietnam, the incidence is rising rapidly, particularly among women, who are affected three times more often than men. While thyroid cancer is often labeled a “good cancer” due to its generally favorable prognosis, some aggressive forms are anything but benign.

Dr. Yin Ke from Ningbo University Hospital (China) shared the case of Ms. Zhong (35), who recently underwent surgery to remove a malignant tumor. In just two months, a neck mass grew from 1 cm to 5 cm, compressing surrounding tissues and causing hoarseness and breathing difficulty. This case highlights how thyroid cancer can become life-threatening when it progresses to an anaplastic (undifferentiated) type, which has an average survival time of only six months.

Prevention is always better than treatment. To protect yourself, Dr. Yin Ke and Dr. Dong Fangwu of Kunming Zhongyan Thyroid Hospital advise staying as far away as possible from the following five major risk factors:

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1. Sources of Ionizing Radiation

Ionizing radiation is scientifically proven to damage the DNA structure of thyroid cells. Frequent exposure to uncontrolled radiation or excessive neck X-rays without proper shielding increases the risk of genetic mutations.

Even though everyday electronic devices emit low levels of radiation, it is still advisable to avoid prolonged close contact with the neck area to minimize cumulative cellular damage.





2. Chronic Late-Night Habits

The endocrine system—especially in women—is highly sensitive to circadian rhythms. Regularly staying up late to binge-watch shows or work overnight disrupts hormone balance, indirectly stimulating thyroid tumor formation.

Chronic sleep deprivation weakens the body’s self-repair mechanisms, allowing abnormal cells to develop into malignancies. A disciplined lifestyle is one of the most effective natural ways to stabilize thyroid function.

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3. Prolonged Emotional Stress and Negative Moods

The thyroid is often referred to as an “emotional organ.” Persistent sadness, anger, or long-term stress can cause significant fluctuations in thyroid hormone levels.

Sustained imbalance places pressure on thyroid tissue, promoting the formation of nodules. According to Dr. Dong Fangwu, emotional regulation and maintaining an optimistic mindset are among the most effective ways to prevent tumor-triggering stimuli.

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4. Tobacco Smoke and Alcohol

Beyond damaging the lungs, toxins in cigarette smoke—including secondhand smoke—and alcohol directly harm endocrine cells. These substances suppress the immune system’s ability to eliminate abnormal cells and increase oxidative stress in the thyroid.

Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake help detoxify the body and protect cellular DNA from cancer-causing free radicals.

5. Improper Iodine Intake

Both iodine deficiency and excess are a double-edged sword for thyroid health. Self-supplementing high-iodine foods or maintaining a long-term high-salt diet can disrupt hormone synthesis and promote the transformation of benign nodules into malignant tumors.

A balanced diet emphasizing natural foods is essential to maintain a stable endocrine environment.

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How to Protect Your Thyroid

To reduce the risk of thyroid cancer, maintain a fiber-rich diet, ensure adequate intake of essential vitamins and micronutrients such as iron and folic acid, and support immune function. Regular thyroid ultrasound screening every 1–2 years is recommended to detect abnormalities early.

A healthy lifestyle, emotional stability, and proactive medical screening together form the strongest defense against the silent threat of malignant thyroid cells.