Thyroid cancer cases are on the rise in the UK, but so are survival rates. Thanks to earlier diagnosis, personalised treatment, and advanced imaging technologies, more people than ever are living full and healthy lives after a thyroid cancer diagnosis. In this article, we explore why thyroid cancer outcomes are improving, the types of thyroid cancer, who is most at risk, and what to expect if you or a loved one receives this diagnosis.
Key Facts
- Thyroid cancer is the 20th most common cancer in the UK and accounts for 1 per cent of all new cancer cases1.
- The types of thyroid cancer are2:
- Papillary and follicular (most common, slow-growing, high-survival)
- Medullary (can be genetic; targeted treatments available)
- Anaplastic (rare, aggressive; emerging treatments offer hope)
- Thyroid lymphoma (starts in thyroid tissue)
- Over 84 per cent of people diagnosed with thyroid cancer survive at least 10 years3.
- Improved awareness, earlier diagnosis through advanced imaging, personalised treatment plans, and innovations in care are helping more people live well after diagnosis.
The Shift-Why Thyroid Cancer Outcomes are Improving
Earlier Diagnosis Through Better Imaging
Better imaging is improving thyroid cancer outcomes, particularly with the widespread use of neck ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scans, which enable the detection and implementation of proactive screening options.
Modern imaging has made it possible to detect thyroid cancers at smaller sizes and earlier stages, often as a result of scanning for unrelated issues. High-resolution ultrasound is the frontline tool, enabling the detection of thyroid nodules as small as 1-2 mm, guiding biopsies, and supporting risk stratification systems, such as the Thyroid Imaging, Reporting, and Data System (TIRADS)4,5.
Nodules are also often detected incidentally on MRI and CT scans performed for other reasons. Thyroid nodules have been incidentally identified in about 5 per cent of cervical spine MRI scans and in about 10 per cent of CT scans6,7.
Ezra’s MRI Scan with Spine offers a comprehensive approach to proactive screening, covering the thyroid among other organs. While MRI alone cannot definitely diagnose thyroid cancer without biopsy, it is a valuable adjunct for staging, surveillance, and management of known or suspected disease.
Treatment is Now More Personalised
Treatment for thyroid cancer can now be highly personalised, using tailored surgery plans and targeted therapies based on individual tumour genetics and risk profiles. Radioactive iodine and hormone suppression are carefully adjusted, while new molecular and immunotherapy options provide less invasive alternatives and reduce complications for many patients8,9.
Advances in genetics, imaging, and drug development let clinicians choose the optimal combination of surgery, medication, and surveillance for each case, improving survival and minimising side effects8–10. These innovations mean more people receive precise care matched to the unique features of their thyroid cancer, leading to better outcomes and fewer treatment-related problems.
Role of Proactive Screening and AI
Proactive screening for thyroid cancer is advancing rapidly with the integration of AI in scan analysis, leading to faster and more accurate detection of malignant nodules compared to human experts.
Several AI diagnostic tools, like S-Detect, AmCAD-UT, Koios DS, and Medo Thyroid, have been FDA-approved and shown to reduce evaluation time and unnecessary surgeries11–13. While no AI system is yet routinely used within the NHS, active research is underway to develop algorithms for UK clinical practice, promising streamlined, standardised, and potentially more effective thyroid cancer screening soon14.
Understanding the Types of Thyroid Cancer
Papillary and Follicular
Papillary and follicular thyroid cancers are the most common forms, together accounting for about 90 per cent of all cases and usually carrying a very high survival rate15. They are slow-growing, respond well to surgery and radioactive iodine therapy, and are typically treatable even if detected at later stages.
Medullary
Medullary thyroid cancer can be hereditary and may be linked to genetic syndromes, making genetic testing crucial for affected families. It originates from parafollicular C cells and management often requires specialised, tailored approaches to address its unique biology16,17.
Anaplastic
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is rare, very aggressive, and associated with poor survival, often presenting late and requiring urgent intervention16,18. While outcomes remain challenging, new targeted therapies and clinical trials are offering hope for select patients with this hard-to-treat disease.
Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Treatment Options
How It’s Diagnosed
Thyroid cancer is often diagnosed using fine-needle aspiration (FNA), where a sample from a nodule is examined for cancer cells, alongside imaging such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI to determine the location and extent of the disease19,20. Ultrasound is the initial test and can spot suspicious nodules, while CT and MRI are important for staging or evaluating advanced or recurrent cases21.
Multi-region MRI scans, such as those offered by Ezra, are emerging as early detection tools, especially for high-risk individuals wanting a comprehensive assessment.
Common Treatments
Treatment usually involves a thyroidectomy (surgical removal of the thyroid) when appropriate, followed by radioactive iodine therapy to destroy remaining thyroid tissue or cancer cells in suitable cases22.
Hormone therapy is essential to replace thyroid hormones after surgery, and newer options like targeted drugs have become important, especially for aggressive types like medullary and anaplastic cancers23–25.
Follow-Up and Living Post-Treatment
Long-term monitoring is standard, combining blood tests, imaging, and sometimes specialised scans to detect recurrence. Most patients require lifelong hormone replacement therapy to maintain their health, and regular follow-ups help ensure people stay active and symptom-free after treatment.
Living Well After A Diagnosis
Living well after a thyroid cancer diagnosis involves managing energy levels and adapting to hormone therapy, which is key for most patients post-surgery26. Ongoing support from endocrinology teams helps with medication adjustment and symptom management, while resources for mental health, such as counselling and peer-support groups, improve emotional resilience and coping.
Summary
Thyroid cancer survival and quality of life have never been better, with over 98 per cent of people diagnosed at early stages surviving five years or more, and newer treatments offering hope even for advanced cases. This progress is directly linked to proactive screening, which allows cancers to be caught sooner, when they are most treatable, improving long-term outcomes and reducing complications.
Want to be proactive about your thyroid health? Ezra’s MRI Scan with Spine screens for potential cancer in up to 14 organs, including the thyroid. Non-invasive, fast, and AI-enhanced. Book your scan today.
