2. Radiation Exposure: A Hidden Danger
Radiation exposure is another significant cause of thyroid cancer, particularly exposure at a young age. This radiation can come from several sources, including certain medical treatments or radiation fallout from nuclear reactor accidents or atomic weapons. The thyroid gland is especially sensitive to radiation, which can lead to changes in thyroid cells and eventually cause cancer.
For example, several studies have shown a link between childhood radiation treatments to the head, neck, or upper chest and an increased risk of thyroid cancer later in life. These treatments were often used in the mid-20th century for conditions like acne, tonsillitis, or to shrink an enlarged thymus gland. The risk appears to be highest for those who received radiation treatments during infancy or early childhood, but the risk remains elevated even for those who received treatments during adolescence.
Moreover, exposure to radioactive fallout, as seen in the aftermath of nuclear reactor accidents or atomic bombings, can significantly increase the risk of thyroid cancer, especially in children. The radioactive isotopes released during these events, particularly iodine-131, can be inhaled or ingested through contaminated food or milk, becoming concentrated in the thyroid gland and leading to the development of cancer. (2)
