Though some cases of thyroid cancer are sporadic and unpreventable, there are certain steps you can take to reduce your risk and lower your chances of developing thyroid cancer. Among them:
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Since obesity has been shown to increase risk of thyroid cancer, maintaining a healthy body weight and being physically fit can be an important prevention strategy.
- Avoid unnecessary radiation exposure
- Consider the need for imaging tests, and if they are absolutely necessary, ask the doctor or technician about the possibility of a thyroid guard, which are widely available but not typically used unless requested by the patient.
- Eat vegetables and fruit
- Some studies have shown that the consumption of cruciferous fruits and vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts) can reduce your risk of thyroid cancer.
- Find out if you’re at high risk
- Talk to your doctor about your risk. Consider genetic testing to assess your risk, especially if you have a family history of thyroid cancer.
Information taken from Canadian Cancer Society.