Fact 9: The Role of Diet and Lifestyle in Thyroid Cancer Prevention – What You Can Do
While it’s impossible to completely prevent thyroid cancer, certain lifestyle modifications can reduce your risk. Although these changes can’t guarantee you won’t get cancer, they can help make your body as healthy as possible, boost your immune system, and improve your odds against cancer and other diseases.
First, aim for a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against cancer. A diet sufficient in iodine — which can be found in iodized salt, dairy products, seafood, and enriched bread — is also important for thyroid health.
Maintaining a healthy weight is another vital step in cancer prevention. Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including thyroid cancer. Regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and has numerous other health benefits.
Avoiding radiation exposure, especially in childhood, can also reduce the risk of developing thyroid cancer. If medical imaging is required, it’s essential to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks and, where possible, opt for imaging tests that don’t involve radiation, such as ultrasound or MRI. (9)
