The exact cause of thyroid cancer is not yet known; however, researchers have identified certain risk factors for the disease. While a risk factor for the disease is not a cause of thyroid cancer, it can increase a person's risk of developing the cancer. Risk factors for thyroid cancer include such things as being exposed to high levels of radiation, eating a diet low in iodine, and being female.
No one knows the exact cause of thyroid cancer. Doctors can seldom explain why one person will get thyroid cancer and another person will not. However, it is clear that this disease is not contagious -- no one can "catch" thyroid cancer from another person. Thyroid cancer research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop thyroid cancer. A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chances of developing a disease. It is important to note that risk factors do not cause thyroid cancer. However, several thyroid cancer risk factors may act together to increase a person's thyroid cancer risk.
Cause of Thyroid Cancer: Know the Risk Factors
Specific thyroid cancer risk factors include:
Being exposed to high levels of radiation
Having a family history of medullary thyroid cancer or certain other medical conditions (such as goiters)
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