7. Certain Medications: Unintended Side Effects
Certain medications may inadvertently increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer. Some drugs used to treat hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland is overactive, have been linked to an increased risk of thyroid cancer. The two drugs commonly associated with this increased risk are methimazole and carbimazole.
These medications work by reducing the production of thyroid hormones, which can help control symptoms of hyperthyroidism. However, long-term use of these drugs has been linked with a slight increase in the risk of developing thyroid cancer. This emphasizes the importance of regular medical monitoring when taking these medications.
Another class of drugs linked to thyroid cancer are the class of medications known as immune checkpoint inhibitors. These drugs, which are used to treat certain types of cancer by helping the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, have been associated with an increased risk of thyroid problems, including thyroid cancer. (7)
