World Thyroid Day 2026: Know your Thyroid

Thyroid sits at the base of your neck, weighs less than 30 grams, and most people never give it a second thought. Yet the thyroid gland quietly regulates some of the body’s most essential functions – heart rate, metabolism, sleep, cognition, and reproductive health.

When the thyroid does not function as it should, the effects are rarely confined to one system. They ripple across the entire body.

Nearly 42 million people in India are estimated to live with thyroid disorders, making it one of the country’s most significant, and often underdiagnosed, public health concerns. In 2025 alone, approximately 38,574 new thyroid cancer cases were diagnosed, with women carrying a disproportionately higher burden. Yet many of these cases reach a specialist only after years of overlooked symptoms or are discovered incidentally during imaging done for unrelated concerns.

This World Thyroid Day, observed on 25 May, RGCIRC (Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre) brings into focus a simple but critical message: the thyroid gland deserves attention before it demands it. Early screening is not an act of anxiety; it is an informed, clinically sound step towards protecting long-term health.

What is World Thyroid Day and Why Does it Matter?

World Thyroid Day is observed every year on 25 May. The date was chosen to honour the founding of the European Thyroid Association (ETA) on 25 May 1965 – the organisation that first proposed a dedicated global day for thyroid health awareness. The decision to establish World Thyroid Day was made at the annual general meeting of the Thyroid Federation International in September 2007, and the day was first formally observed in 2008.

Since then, it has grown into a globally recognised health awareness event supported by thyroid associations across every major continent. The American Thyroid Association declared its support in 2010, followed by the Latin American Thyroid Society, the Asia and Oceania Thyroid Association, and several national thyroid societies. Together, these organisations use the day to drive public education, encourage early testing, and advocate for improved access to thyroid care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where thyroid disease is widespread but underdiagnosed.

World Thyroid Day forms part of International Thyroid Awareness Week, a broader platform for community outreach, clinical education, and policy advocacy across the week surrounding 25 May.

Thyroid Disease in India: A Silent Epidemic

For India specifically, World Thyroid Day carries particular weight. Diseases of the thyroid gland are among the most prevalent endocrine disorders worldwide, second only to diabetes. In India, thyroid disorders cut across geography, age, and gender, affecting urban and rural populations alike, and yet awareness of thyroid health remains low. Many people attribute thyroid symptoms to stress, ageing, or lifestyle without seeking the simple blood test that can confirm or rule out a thyroid disorder within hours.

The overarching focus of World Thyroid Day 2026 is consistent with the day’s founding mission: to ensure that thyroid dysfunction is detected early, diagnosed accurately, and treated effectively, because the consequences of leaving thyroid disorders unaddressed extend well beyond the thyroid gland itself.

Worth Knowing: Thyroid disorders are among the most treatable conditions. A patient with hypothyroidism managed on the correct dose of levothyroxine can live a completely normal life. The challenge is not treatment; it is the long delay between the onset of symptoms and the first thyroid test. World Thyroid Day exists to close that gap.

Why is Thyroid Health Important for Overall Well-Being?

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped structure located at the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. Its size belies its influence. The hormones it produces, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), travel through the bloodstream and regulate the metabolic activity of virtually every cell in the body.

The pituitary gland regulates thyroid hormone production through thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). When thyroid hormone levels are low, the pituitary releases more TSH to stimulate the thyroid. When levels are adequate or high, TSH production decreases. This feedback loop is one of the most finely balanced regulatory systems in human physiology, and when it is disrupted, the effects are wide-ranging.

The thyroid’s influence extends across the following systems and functions:

• Metabolism: The thyroid sets the rate at which the body converts food and oxygen into energy. Too little thyroid hormone slows metabolism; too much accelerates it. Both have significant consequences for weight, energy, and long-term health
• Cardiovascular function: Thyroid hormones directly influence heart rate and cardiac output. Hypothyroidism slows the heart; hyperthyroidism accelerates it, sometimes causing arrhythmias
• Neurological and cognitive function: The brain is profoundly sensitive to thyroid hormone levels. Both excess and deficiency can impair concentration, memory, and mood. In foetuses and newborns, thyroid hormone is essential for normal brain development
• Reproductive health: Thyroid disorders disrupt the hormonal balance that regulates ovulation and menstruation in women, and affect sperm quality and testosterone levels in men. Uncontrolled thyroid dysfunction is a significant contributor to infertility and pregnancy complications
• Bone health: Excess thyroid hormone accelerates bone turnover, reducing bone density and elevating the risk of osteoporosis over time
• Body temperature regulation: The thyroid contributes to thermogenesis. Hypothyroid patients typically feel cold even in warm environments; hyperthyroid patients often feel excessively warm
• Gastrointestinal function: Thyroid hormones influence gut motility. Hypothyroidism commonly causes constipation; hyperthyroidism often causes frequent, loose stools

Given this wide-ranging influence, it is clinically unsurprising that unrecognised thyroid dysfunction can present as depression, chronic fatigue, infertility, heart disease, or cognitive decline. These conditions are often investigated and treated for months or even years before a thyroid test is eventually considered.

What are the Common Thyroid Disorders?

Thyroid disorders span a spectrum from functional imbalances to autoimmune disease, structural abnormalities, and malignancy. The five most clinically significant categories are outlined below.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces insufficient T3 and T4 to meet the body’s metabolic needs. It is the most common thyroid disorder in India and globally, significantly more prevalent in women than in men. The most frequent cause in adults is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition in which the immune system progressively destroys thyroid tissue. Other causes include iodine deficiency, thyroid surgery, and radioiodine treatment. Congenital hypothyroidism, present from birth, requires immediate identification and treatment to prevent permanent neurodevelopmental damage.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces excess thyroid hormone, accelerating the body’s metabolic processes beyond normal levels. The most common cause is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition in which antibodies stimulate the thyroid to overproduce hormones. Other causes include toxic multinodular goitre and thyroid adenomas. Left untreated, hyperthyroidism places sustained strain on the cardiovascular system and can lead to atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and thyroid storm — a rare but life-threatening acute exacerbation.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common autoimmune thyroid disorder and the leading cause of hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient populations. The immune system produces antibodies against thyroid tissue, causing chronic inflammation and gradual destruction of the gland. Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies are the primary diagnostic marker. Hashimoto’s often coexists with other autoimmune conditions and has a well-established association with thyroid lymphoma over the long term.

Goitre and Iodine Deficiency

Goitre refers to an enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can occur in the context of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, as well as in a euthyroid state. In India, iodine deficiency remains an important cause of goitre, particularly in Himalayan and sub-Himalayan regions where access to iodised salt has historically been inconsistent. India’s mandatory salt iodisation programme has significantly reduced the prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders, but pockets of risk persist.

Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules are discrete lesions within the thyroid gland that are distinct from surrounding thyroid tissue. They are extremely common – detectable by ultrasound in up to 68% of the general population – and the vast majority are benign. Their clinical significance lies in the minority that are malignant. Risk assessment involves clinical evaluation, ultrasound characterisation using the TIRADS classification system, and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) for nodules meeting specific size and feature criteria. The presence of a nodule alone does not indicate cancer, but all thyroid nodules above a threshold size or with suspicious imaging features require formal evaluation.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)

When thyroid hormone levels are insufficient, the body’s metabolic processes slow. The symptoms that follow reflect this systemic slowdown. The most common presentations include the following:

• Unexplained weight gain: Despite no change in diet or activity, patients gain weight because the metabolic rate has declined
• Persistent fatigue and low energy: Not the ordinary tiredness that follows a long day, but a deep, unrelenting exhaustion that does not resolve with rest
• Hair thinning or hair loss: Diffuse thinning of scalp hair is one of the most frequently reported early signs of hypothyroidism
• Feeling cold: Hypothyroid patients often feel cold in environments that others find comfortable, because the body is generating less heat
• Constipation: Reduced gut motility is a direct consequence of inadequate thyroid hormone
• Dry skin and brittle nails: Reduced metabolic activity affects cell turnover throughout the body
• Mood changes and depression: Low thyroid hormone impairs neurotransmitter function and is a well-established contributor to depressive symptoms
• Brain fog and poor concentration: Cognitive slowing is a common complaint, particularly in older patients
• Irregular or heavy menstrual cycles: Hypothyroidism disrupts the hormonal regulation of the menstrual cycle, often causing heavier or more irregular periods
• Puffiness of the face, particularly around the eyes: In more pronounced cases, a characteristic facial puffiness develops due to the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in the skin

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)

When thyroid hormone levels are excessive, the body’s systems are driven into overdrive. The resulting symptoms are often the mirror image of hypothyroidism. The most common presentations include the following:

• Unexplained weight loss: Despite a normal or increased appetite, patients lose weight because the metabolic rate is elevated
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat: Palpitations, a racing heart, or an irregular rhythm are among the most common and clinically significant symptoms
• Feeling excessively warm or sweating: Excess thyroid hormone increases heat production
• Tremors: A fine tremor of the hands is a characteristic sign
• Anxiety, irritability, and nervousness: Excess thyroid hormone has a stimulant effect on the nervous system
• Difficulty sleeping: Hyperthyroid patients often experience insomnia due to increased nervous system arousal
• Frequent bowel movements: Accelerated gut motility can cause loose stools or diarrhoea
• Hair thinning: Hair loss occurs in both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid states, though through different mechanisms
• Eye changes in Graves’ disease: Graves’ ophthalmopathy, characterised by bulging, redness, or irritation of the eyes, is specific to Graves’ disease and reflects the autoimmune nature of the condition

What is Thyroid Cancer? Types, Risks, and Rising Cases

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy globally. In India, approximately 35,000 thyroid cancer cases were reported in 2025, with women accounting for 29,037 of those cases. Between 2006 and 2014, the age-standardised incidence rates for thyroid cancer in India increased by 37% in women and 27% in men. Thyroid cancer is now among the top ten cancers in Indian women, representing 3.6% of all female cancer cases according to the ICMR National Cancer Registry Programme.

The clinical importance of this rising incidence is contextualised by one critical fact: when detected at an early stage, most thyroid cancers are among the most curable of all malignancies. When detected late, particularly in the case of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, outcomes are substantially worse. Early detection is not merely an advantage, it is the determining factor in survivability.

Types of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancers arise from different cell types within the gland, and each type carries distinct biological behaviour, prognosis, and treatment implications. The main types are:

• Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC): The most common type, accounting for over 80% of all thyroid cancers in India. It typically grows slowly, has a strong tendency to spread to regional lymph nodes, but carries an excellent prognosis when treated appropriately. The five-year survival rate for early-stage papillary thyroid cancer exceeds 98%.
• Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma: Accounts for approximately 10 to 15% of thyroid cancers. It is more likely than papillary cancer to spread through the bloodstream to distant sites such as the lungs and bones, but is generally well-differentiated and responsive to treatment including radioiodine therapy.
• Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC): Arises from the parafollicular C cells that produce calcitonin rather than from thyroid hormone-producing follicular cells. It does not respond to radioiodine therapy and requires surgical management as the primary treatment. Approximately 25% of medullary thyroid cancers are hereditary, linked to mutations in the RET proto-oncogene, making genetic counselling important for affected families.
• Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: The rarest and most aggressive form of thyroid cancer. It typically presents in older patients, grows rapidly, and carries a very poor prognosis. Unlike differentiated thyroid cancers, it does not respond to radioiodine and requires aggressive multimodal treatment.

Risk Factors for Thyroid Cancer

Several factors are associated with an elevated risk of developing thyroid cancer. Understanding them guides decisions about screening frequency and clinical vigilance. The key risk factors include:

• Female sex: Women are three to four times more likely to develop thyroid cancer than men, likely due to hormonal influences on thyroid cell proliferation
• Age: While thyroid cancer can occur at any age, the risk increases with advancing age, particularly for follicular and anaplastic types. Papillary carcinoma, importantly, also occurs frequently in younger adults and adolescents
• Radiation exposure: A history of radiation to the head or neck, either therapeutic (for conditions such as childhood leukaemia) or environmental (as documented following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster), significantly elevates thyroid cancer risk
• Family history: A first-degree relative with thyroid cancer, particularly medullary thyroid carcinoma or familial non-medullary thyroid cancer, elevates individual risk and warrants closer surveillance
• Pre-existing thyroid nodules: While most nodules are benign, certain ultrasound features, including hypoechogenicity, irregular margins, microcalcifications, and taller-than-wide shape, are associated with higher malignant potential and require formal evaluation
• Iodine status: Both iodine deficiency and iodine excess have been associated with different subtypes of thyroid cancer. Iodine-deficient populations show higher rates of follicular thyroid cancer; iodine-sufficient populations show higher rates of papillary cancer
• Obesity and metabolic syndrome: Emerging evidence links elevated BMI and insulin resistance with increased thyroid cancer risk, a particularly relevant association in the context of India’s rising rates of metabolic disease

When Should You See a Doctor?

Thyroid disorders are common, often silent in their early stages, and highly treatable when identified early. Recognising when to seek medical attention, rather than waiting for symptoms to become disruptive, is an important aspect of long-term health awareness.

The following situations should prompt a timely medical consultation, as each may indicate an underlying thyroid concern that requires evaluation:

• A lump or swelling in the neck that is palpable, visible, or persistent, even if painless. A thyroid nodule discovered incidentally or felt by the patient is the most common presentation of thyroid cancer and must be formally evaluated with ultrasound
• Hoarseness or a persistent change in voice that has no obvious cause such as a cold or overuse. The recurrent laryngeal nerve runs in close proximity to the thyroid, and its compression or invasion by a thyroid mass can alter vocal quality
• Difficulty swallowing or a sensation of pressure in the throat that does not resolve. An enlarging thyroid gland or nodule can exert pressure on the oesophagus and trachea
• Shortness of breath without a clear respiratory cause, which may reflect tracheal compression by an enlarged thyroid or substernal goitre
• An abnormal TSH result in routine blood testing, even in the absence of symptoms. Subclinical thyroid dysfunction, defined by elevated or suppressed TSH levels with normal free thyroid hormone levels, often precedes overt disease and may require monitoring and, in some cases, timely treatment.
• A family history of thyroid cancer or medullary thyroid carcinoma in a first-degree relative, which warrants specialist evaluation regardless of symptoms
• Symptoms that match the hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism profiles described above and have persisted for more than two to three weeks without resolution
• Pregnancy or active fertility planning, since thyroid function profoundly affects fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and foetal neurodevelopment. TSH testing is recommended before and during pregnancy for all women with known thyroid disease and for those with risk factors

Who Needs Thyroid Screening and How Often?

Thyroid screening is not a one-size-fits-all recommendation. The appropriate frequency and depth of screening depend on individual risk, life stage, and clinical history. The principle is risk stratification: those with more risk factors benefit from earlier, more frequent testing. The following table provides a practical guide.

What Does a Thyroid Test Include?

A standard thyroid health check-up includes the following tests, each providing distinct and complementary information:

• TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): The single most sensitive and reliable indicator of overall thyroid function. An abnormal TSH is the first trigger for further investigation in most clinical guidelines
• Free T4 (Thyroxine): Measures the active, unbound form of the primary thyroid hormone. Used alongside TSH to distinguish subclinical from overt thyroid dysfunction
• Free T3 (Triiodothyronine): Useful in specific clinical scenarios, including suspected T3 toxicosis and monitoring of hyperthyroidism treatment
• TPO Antibodies (Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies): The primary marker for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and autoimmune thyroid disease. Elevated TPO antibodies in a patient with normal TSH identify those at higher risk of developing overt hypothyroidism over time
• Thyroid Ultrasound: Provides detailed structural imaging of the thyroid gland, identifying nodules, characterising their features using the TIRADS classification system, and guiding decisions about whether FNAC is warranted. It is non-invasive, radiation-free, and widely available
• Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC): When a nodule meets criteria for biopsy, FNAC provides cellular material for pathological assessment. It is the most reliable pre-operative test for distinguishing benign from malignant thyroid nodules
• Thyroglobulin: A protein produced exclusively by thyroid tissue, used as a tumour marker in the post-treatment surveillance of differentiated thyroid cancer. Elevated or rising thyroglobulin after thyroidectomy may indicate recurrence

How Lifestyle Choices Support Thyroid Health

Lifestyle and dietary habits do not replace medical management of thyroid disorders, but they play an important supportive role in maintaining thyroid function, slowing disease progression, and promoting overall metabolic health. The following are evidence-informed considerations that can help support thyroid health.

Adequate Iodine Intake

Iodine is the essential mineral from which T3 and T4 are synthesised. Without sufficient iodine, the thyroid cannot produce adequate hormone, leading to hypothyroidism and goitre. The daily recommended intake for adults is 150 micrograms, rising to 220 micrograms during pregnancy and 290 micrograms during lactation. In India, iodised salt remains the most practical and effective source. Iodine-rich foods include seafood, dairy products, and eggs. Iodine deficiency, while reduced by national iodisation programmes, remains a risk in certain inland and mountainous regions.

Selenium

Selenium is a trace mineral that plays an essential role in the conversion of T4 to the active T3, and in protecting the thyroid gland against oxidative damage. Low selenium status has been associated with elevated TPO antibody levels in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Dietary sources include nuts, sunflower seeds, fish, eggs, and legumes.

Goitrogens

Raw cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, contain compounds called goitrogens that can interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis in very large quantities. In practice, normal dietary consumption of these vegetables does not pose a risk to thyroid health in iodine-sufficient individuals. Cooking significantly reduces goitrogen activity. Patients with established hypothyroidism do not need to avoid cruciferous vegetables, as the clinical relevance of dietary goitrogens is often overstated.

Stress Management

Chronic psychological stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which can suppress TSH secretion and alter thyroid hormone metabolism. Sustained stress is also associated with the onset and exacerbation of autoimmune conditions including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease. Mindfulness, structured relaxation, adequate sleep, and regular physical activity all contribute to a hormonal environment more conducive to thyroid health.

Physical Activity

Regular aerobic exercise supports thyroid health indirectly by improving insulin sensitivity, reducing systemic inflammation, and supporting a healthy body weight. All of these factors help reduce the metabolic burden on the thyroid. Exercise does not treat thyroid dysfunction, but it remains an important component of overall metabolic health management.

Avoiding Unnecessary Iodine Excess

While iodine deficiency is harmful, iodine excess can also impair thyroid function, particularly in individuals with autoimmune thyroid disease or pre-existing nodular disease. Supplements containing very high doses of iodine, including certain seaweed or kelp preparations marketed for thyroid health, should be taken only under medical guidance.

Thyroid Cancer Care at RGCIRC

At RGCIRC, thyroid health is managed through a collaborative approach that brings together Internal Medicine, Surgical Oncology expertise, and the Nuclear Medicine department. This integrated model ensures that patients receive seamless care from initial screening and accurate diagnosis to definitive treatment and long-term follow-up, all within a single, coordinated care pathway.

Comprehensive Diagnostics

Our diagnostic capabilities for thyroid assessment include TSH and thyroid hormone panel testing through our NABL-accredited laboratory, high-resolution thyroid ultrasound with TIRADS-based nodule characterisation, ultrasound-guided FNAC for cytological assessment of suspicious nodules, and molecular profiling of thyroid tissue where indicated to guide surgical decision-making.

Multidisciplinary Thyroid Cancer Care

Every thyroid cancer case at RGCIRC is reviewed by our Multidisciplinary Tumour Board, bringing together, surgical oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, radiation oncologists, and pathologists. This collaborative review ensures that each patient receives a personalised, evidence-based treatment plan that accounts for the specific type, stage, and molecular characteristics of their cancer, alongside their individual clinical circumstances.

Surgical Expertise

The surgical oncology team at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre offers the full range of thyroid cancer surgical interventions, including total thyroidectomy, hemithyroidectomy, and central and lateral neck dissection for lymph node involvement. Where appropriate, nerve monitoring techniques are used to protect the recurrent laryngeal nerve and preserve vocal function. This is a critical consideration in achieving safe surgical outcomes and maintaining quality of life after treatment.

Radioiodine Therapy

Our Nuclear Medicine department provides radioiodine (I-131) therapy for differentiated thyroid cancers, administered in our dedicated therapy facilities following appropriate dosimetric assessment. Radioiodine ablation of residual thyroid tissue after surgery, and treatment of metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer, are established components of our thyroid cancer care pathway.

Long-Term Surveillance

Thyroid cancer management does not end with treatment. Our oncology teams provide structured, protocol-driven follow-up including serial thyroglobulin and TSH monitoring, periodic thyroid ultrasound, and whole-body iodine scanning where clinically indicated. The goal of surveillance is early identification of recurrence, at a stage when further treatment is most effective.

Preventive Oncology

For individuals with thyroid cancer risk factors but no current diagnosis, our Preventive Oncology team offers personalised risk assessment, screening recommendations, and first-access diagnostics to intercept potential malignancy at the earliest detectable stage.

Your Next Step Starts Here

If you have a thyroid nodule, an abnormal TSH result, a family history of thyroid cancer, or symptoms that have persisted without explanation, do not wait for them to worsen. At RGCIRC, early detection is not a tagline. It is the clinical standard we hold ourselves to. Our team is here to guide you from your first screening appointment to every step of care that follows.

Book a Thyroid Screening or Oncology Consultation at RGCIRC Visit www.rgcirc.org | Call +91-11-4702 2222 (Rohini) / +91-11-4582 2222 (Niti Bagh, South Delhi) Book online at care.rgcirc.org | Download the RGCI Care app on iOS and Android OPD Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Emergency Services: 24×7 at both campuses

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the theme of World Thyroid Day 2026?

World Thyroid Day 2026 is observed on 25 May 2026. The day does not follow a single annually declared theme in the same manner as some other global health observances. Its overarching mission, is to raise public awareness of thyroid disorders, promote early diagnosis, and ensure access to effective treatment. The 2026 observance continues this mission with a particular emphasis on the importance of thyroid screening before symptoms become apparent.

Why is early thyroid screening important?

Most thyroid disorders, including early-stage thyroid cancer, produce no obvious symptoms in their initial stages. By the time symptoms become noticeable, the disease may have progressed to a point where treatment is more complex. Early screening through a simple TSH blood test and, where indicated, a thyroid ultrasound allows disorders to be identified at a stage when they are most straightforward to manage. For thyroid cancer specifically, early detection is directly associated with significantly better survival outcomes.

What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer?

Early-stage thyroid cancer most commonly causes no symptoms at all, which is why proactive screening is so important. When symptoms do appear, they may include a painless lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness or a change in voice, difficulty swallowing, a persistent sensation of pressure in the throat, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Any of these symptoms in combination with known thyroid cancer risk factors warrants prompt clinical evaluation including thyroid ultrasound and, if indicated, FNAC.

Who should get thyroid screening tests?

Adults with a family history of thyroid disease or thyroid cancer, women over 35, individuals with autoimmune conditions such as Type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, anyone with a history of radiation to the head or neck, pregnant women and those planning to conceive, patients with known thyroid nodules, and anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism should discuss thyroid screening with their doctor. General adults without risk factors benefit from TSH testing every three to five years from the age of 35 onwards.

What tests are used to detect thyroid problems?

The primary tests used in thyroid assessment include TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), Free T4, Free T3, TPO antibodies, and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies for functional and autoimmune evaluation. Structural assessment relies on thyroid ultrasound with TIRADS-based characterisation of any nodules present. Nodules meeting biopsy criteria are evaluated through ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Post-treatment surveillance of thyroid cancer uses serial thyroglobulin measurement alongside TSH and imaging.

Can thyroid cancer be prevented with early screening?

Early screening does not prevent thyroid cancer from developing, but it significantly improves the probability of detecting it at a localised, highly treatable stage. The five-year survival rate for papillary thyroid carcinoma detected at stage one exceeds 98%, compared to substantially worse outcomes for advanced-stage disease.

Are thyroid disorders more common in women?

Yes, substantially so. Women are five to eight times more likely to develop hypothyroidism than men, and three to four times more likely to develop thyroid cancer. The reasons are not fully understood but likely involve hormonal influences, particularly oestrogen, on immune function and thyroid cell behaviour, as well as the higher prevalence of autoimmune conditions in women. Women with a family history of thyroid disease, those who are pregnant or planning pregnancy, and those experiencing unexplained changes in weight, energy, menstrual regularity, or mood should have thyroid function tested as a priority.

When should I see a doctor for thyroid symptoms?

You should consult a doctor promptly if you notice a lump or swelling in your neck, experience persistent hoarseness or voice changes without an obvious cause, have difficulty swallowing, feel an unexplained pressure in the throat, or receive an abnormal result on a routine TSH test. You should also seek evaluation if you have symptoms consistent with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, as described in this blog, that have persisted for more than two to three weeks. Early consultation is always preferable to waiting for symptoms to intensify.