Alarming increase in Thyroid Cancer

by Jill Hanks
12 News
July 13, 2009

Thyroid cancer rates have increased more than 6 percent per year over the last decade, making it the fastest-increasing cancer in the U.S. But experts aren't sure why.

Dr. Maria Verso is an Endocrinologist at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center. "There is an increase in Hispanics, and there is some increase in Blacks, but not anywhere close to the increase we're seeing in the Caucasian population," she says.

Scientists point to a variety of possible factors like heredity, chemical pollutants, obesity, and increased radiation exposure. There's also better detection. ...

... Women are much more likely than men to develop thyroid problems, according to Dr. Verso and they are also three times more likely to develop thyroid cancer.

Jenny Burt was 25 years old when she noticed her neck seemed a little swollen. She mentioned it casually to her mother, who happens to be Dr. Verso.

Dr. Verso suggested her medical partner take a look. When a biopsy was inconclusive and an ultrasound showed suspicion of cancer, Jenny was told she would need surgery to remove her thyroid.

Jenny says, "The surgeon said he thought probably a one in 20 chance it's actually cancer, so I was really surprised when I woke up in the recovery room and he said, 'Jenny, we found cancer.'"

Courtesy of 12 News (KPNX-TV) 
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