The incidence of thyroid cancer in Cyprus is almost four times higher than the corresponding average for European Union countries, according to Dr Stelia Ioannidou Kadis Clinical, Associate Professor of Endocrinology at the University of Nicosia Medical School.
Speaking to CNA, Kadis expressed concern that the incidence of thyroid cancer in Cyprus in children and adolescents is among the highest in the world, adding that there is currently no data to suggest a cause.
The endocrinologist also said there is no data at this stage linking environmental factors due to the many and ongoing conflicts and wars in the region with the incidence of thyroid cancer in Cyprus.
Thyroid cancer is largely curable, she told CNA and stressed the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Thyroid cancer is the most common malignancy of the endocrine system (95% of the total) and 1.5% of all malignancies of the human body. According to the Cyprus Cancer Archive, it is the 2nd most common cancer in women and the 6th most common cancer in men, most often affecting people aged 35-59, Kadis said
Four times EU average
She expressed concern that the incidence in Cyprus is four times higher than the EU average.
“It is worrying that the incidence of thyroid cancer in Cyprus is almost four times higher than the corresponding average for European Union countries,” she said.
According to recent studies, she added, “the incidence of thyroid cancer in Cyprus in children and adolescents is among the highest in the world.” These findingshave been the subject of debate, said Kadis, adding that “at present there is no data to suggest the reason for them.”
Risk factors for thyroid cancer include a history of radiation therapy to the neck area in childhood, exposure to radioactive radiation, pre-existing thyroid disease, family history, age over forty, obesity and iodine deficiency.
Most patients are asymptomatic, though possible symptoms include prolonged hoarseness, a mass in the neck area and difficulty swallowing.
Kadis stressed that this cancer is largely curable and early treatment is very important.
“It is important to mention that thyroid cancer is largely curable, which is why its early diagnosis and treatment by a specialized team of doctors are very important,” she concluded.