September: Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month

As a survivor of Thyroid Cancer educating others and raising awareness is important to me, it’s personal.

Check Your Neck

Thyroid Cancer is the fastest growing cancer diagnosis in the United States. The majority of thyroid cancer patients never had any symptoms, just a lump on their neck and some such as myself, have no symptoms at all. This enables the cancer to continue to grow and spread without detection. So I plead with everyone to perform self checks. Just like breast self-exams, self checks of your neck is critical step in diagnosing cancer.

What to know about thyroid cancer (source)

• The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the throat that produces hormones essential for regulating metabolism, heart rate, and other vital functions.

• Symptoms: In the early stages, thyroid cancer often has few or no symptoms. As the cancer grows, a lump or swelling in the neck is the most common sign. Other potential symptoms include:

  • Pain in the neck and throat

  • Changes to your voice, such as hoarseness

  • Trouble swallowing or breathing

  • A constant cough that is not caused by a cold

• Highly treatable: Most forms of thyroid cancer are slow-growing and highly treatable, especially when detected early. The five-year relative survival rate is approximately 98%.

• Fastest-growing cancer: Thyroid cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancer diagnoses in the United States. Its incidence has more than doubled since the 1970s, though much of this increase is likely due to improved detection with better imaging technology.

• Women are more at risk: Women are three times more likely to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer than men. 

This is not medical advice. Thyroid cancer is a serious medical condition. Always check with your physician if you have questions or concerns. My goal is to increase your awareness of this condition and encourage you to be observant and pay attention to your body. I am a grateful survivor who is passionate about spreading the word and being a voice of encouragement for everyone.

Turning a Crisis into a Kickstart

Although hearing the news of my thyroid cancer years ago rocked my world, it launched me into the world of health, fitness and wellness. And for that I am eternally grateful.

From that moment on I decided to take radical responsibility for my health. Prior to my diagnosis I was not someone who worked out or focused on wellness? But now? I am the embodiment of a woman who has worked hard for her muscles and put in the time to achieve her fitness goals.

Now, I cannot imagine a life without exercise. Lifting and training is simply part of my life. I have quite literally transformed mind and body and become the woman who can overcome any obstacle — including a bleak diagnosis.