Doha: Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) has launched a ‘Thyroid Vitality’ campaign to raise awareness on thyroid cancer in April, which is the global awareness month for this type of cancer. Thyroid cancer is the third most common cancer between both genders in Qatar of all nationalities, according to Qatar National Cancer Registry (QNCR) - Ministry of Public Health – 2018 .
Heba Nassar, Head of the Health Education Department at QCS said, “The campaign was launched in accordance with the global calendar of cancer awareness, especially thyroid cancer which ranked the second most common type of cancer among females and the tenth among the most common types of cancer among males in Qatar.”
QCS has launched ‘Thyroid Vitality’ awareness campaign via its electronic platforms; this coincides with the holy month of Ramadan , by broadcasting awareness messages and videos related to the definition of thyroid cancer, signs and warning symptoms, methods of prevention and early detection .
About signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer Nassar said, “A lump in the neck, sometimes growing quickly, swelling in the neck, pain in the front of the neck, sometimes going up to the ears, hoarseness or other voice changes that do not go away, trouble swallowing, trouble breathing and a constant cough that is not due to a cold are common signs.
“If you notice any of these signs and symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor. However, most of the lumps that appear in the thyroid are usually benign and can be prevented by adhering to safety procedures when exposed to radiation such as imaging radiation – radiotherapy – nuclear radiation. If you have a family history of a certain type of thyroid cancer, it is important to seek your family doctor and get genetic testing,” she said.
