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What is the Thyroid Cancer Survival Rate?
Thyroid cancer is the most common type of endocrine cancer and affects more women than men. It is often more treatable than other types of cancer, with an increasingly favorable prognosis in recent years. However, statistics on thyroid cancer survival rate vary depending on the exact type and stage.
Types of Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer can be divided by type into four main categories:
1. Papillary thyroid cancer
2. Follicular thyroid cancer
3. Medullary thyroid cancer
4. Anaplastic thyroid cancer
Each type of thyroid cancer is associated with different prognoses and survival rates.
Thyroid Cancer Survival Rate
The most common form of thyroid cancer (papillary) has an overall 10-year survival rate of around 98 percent with an average 5-year survival rate of 95 percent. The 5-year relative survival rate for follicular thyroid cancer is about 92 percent. Medullary thyroid cancer has an overall 5-year relative survival rate of about 91 percent and five-year relative anaplastic thyroid cancer about 28 percent.
Factors Affecting Thyroid Cancer Survival Rate
The overall thyroid cancer survival rate is affected by many factors. The following can have an impact on survival rate:
- Type and Stage: Different types of thyroid cancer can have a wide variety of survival rates. The stage at which the cancer was diagnosed also plays a role in determining the survival rate.
- Age: Thyroid cancer survival tends to be better in younger people.
- Tissue Samples: A sample of the cancerous tissue can provide insight into how aggressive the cancer is and can therefore affect the survival rate.
- Treatment: The treatment of the cancer has an effect on the thyroid cancer survival rate.
How to Improve Thyroid Cancer Survival Rate?
In order to improve the overall thyroid cancer survival rate, it is important to follow the recommended screenings and treatments. Early diagnosis can significantly improve the likelihood of successful treatment and therefore reduce the risk of mortality. Additionally, regular inspections, such as for nodules, and the examination of any suspicious lumps can help diagnose thyroid cancer early and start treatment quickly.
Overall, the continued development of treatments and improved access to quality medical care means that the outlook for patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer is increasingly positive.
