By Guest Blogger Gary Bloom, executive director, ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association
Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month grew from a weeklong observance in 2000 to a full month in September 2003. It is a worldwide observance, sponsored and initiated by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association.
Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month promotes thyroid cancer awareness for early detection, expert care, and increased research to achieve cures for all forms of thyroid cancer.
ThyCa provides a wide variety of free materials to help raise awareness (http://www.thyca.org/how-to-help/awareness/), and we’d love your help in spreading the word!
Talk to your friends, share a message on your Facebook page, blog or other personal website, or post flyers on bulletin boards or other public places where you visit.
Wondering what to share? Here are the Top 10 things to know about Thyroid Cancer:
- Thyroid cancer has had the fastest increase in incidence of any cancer in recent years.
- Thyroid cancer affects people of all ages, from young children to seniors.
- Both women and men get thyroid cancer, and more than two-thirds of the people with thyroid cancer are women.
- Thyroid cancer has many types and variants, with treatment tailored to the type and individual.
- When found early, thyroid cancer is usually treatable.
- Even when treatable, thyroid cancer is life disrupting, expensive, and stressful for patients and loved ones.
- A simple thyroid neck check done by a medical professional during a routine appointment can detect a thyroid nodule.
- Most thyroid nodules are benign, not cancerous.
- Some thyroid cancers, however, are aggressive and difficult to treat.
- Free information, packets by mail, support groups, educational events and more are available from the nonprofit ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. at www.thyca.org.
Thank you for your help in raising awareness—both during Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month and throughout the year.
Want to talk further or get more involved, let us know! You can email us at outreach@thyca.org any time.
