Risk factor 13. Gender – An Unbalanced Scale
Gender is an undeniably significant risk factor for thyroid cancer, with women being three times more likely to develop the disease than men. While the exact reasons behind this gender disparity remain unclear, several theories have been proposed.
Hormonal factors, as previously discussed, likely play a significant role. Women undergo several periods of hormonal changes throughout their life, such as menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, which could potentially influence thyroid cancer risk. Additionally, some studies suggest that estrogen, a female sex hormone, can promote the growth of thyroid tumor cells.
It’s also worth mentioning that the gender disparity is more prominent in certain types of thyroid cancer. For instance, papillary thyroid cancer, the most common type, shows a more pronounced gender difference than other types.
While this risk factor isn’t modifiable, awareness about the increased risk among women can help in early detection and treatment. Women, especially those with other risk factors, should be vigilant about potential thyroid cancer symptoms and engage in regular health screenings. (13)
