A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing thyroid cancer, even in patients with high genetic risk factors.
- Thyroid cancer is characterized by an abnormal multiplication of cells in the thyroid gland, located in the lower part of the neck, below the larynx.
- The average age at diagnosis of thyroid cancer is around 50 years old according to the Health Insurance.
The number of new cases of thyroid cancer estimated in France in 2018 was 2,561 in men and 8,105 in women, according to health insurance.
A healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of thyroid cancer
In most cases, the origin of the disease is undetermined because several factors are involved, in particular two which are recognized as risk factors: exposure to ionizing radiation and iodine deficiency. A familial predisposition also exists in some forms of thyroid cancer.
But several other risk factors are being studied. Thus, researchers have just discovered one, already involved in many diseases: lifestyle. Their work has been published in the journal JAMA Network Open.
To arrive at their results, the scientists analyzed data – collected over just over 11 years – from 264,956 participants, aged 40 to 69. In all, 423 thyroid cancers were detected during this period. To understand the influence of lifestyle on these cases, the researchers defined the criteria of a healthy lifestyle: diet, physical activity, weight, smoking and alcohol consumption.
Eat well, exercise and avoid tobacco and alcohol
Results: There was a link between a poor lifestyle and a higher risk of thyroid cancer, even in participants who had high genetic risk factors. In other words, even if you have a family history, adopting a healthy lifestyle can therefore reduce the risk of developing this cancer.
“The results of this study suggest that adopting a healthier lifestyle may decrease the impact of genetic factors on the risk of thyroid cancer, especially in people at high genetic risk.” explain the researchers in a communicated.
Stop smoking, eat a balanced diet, reduce alcohol consumption, play sports… Resolutions to take as soon as possible to avoid thyroid cancer but also many other diseases. According to Public Health Francethe estimated number of thyroid cancer deaths in 2018 was 386, including 159 in men and 227 in women.
