This September, Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, brings powerful news: the earlier thyroid cancer is detected, the closer survival reaches 100 per cent. In 2025 alone, AI-powered ultrasound, updated survival stats, and promising new treatments have reshaped the outlook for those diagnosed. For a cancer that's often silent early on, awareness is everything. Here's what you need to know to act early and change outcomes.
Key Facts
- Approximately 4,000 new thyroid cancer cases are diagnosed each year, accounting for about 1 per cent of all new cancer cases1.
- Thyroid cancer is most common between the ages of 30 and 60. Women are three times more likely to be diagnosed than men2.
- Types of thyroid cancer include papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic.
- Survival rates (England):
- Overall 10-year survival: ~84 per cent
- Ages 15-44: >98 per cent survive 10 years or more.
- Advanced stage (anaplastic): <5 per cent
Thyroid Cancer Symptoms and Risk Factors
Thyroid cancer may not always cause noticeable signs in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they can include3:
- A painless lump or swelling in the neck
- Hoarseness or persistent voice changes
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Neck or throat discomfort.
- Swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck
It’s important to remember that these changes are not always due to cancer. Common thyroid conditions, such as goitre or thyroid nodules, can cause similar symptoms. However, if you notice a persistent lump or any ongoing changes, it’s best to see a GP for assessment.
Key Risk Factors of Thyroid Cancer
While anyone can develop thyroid cancer, certain factors can increase the likelihood4:
- Radiation exposure, especially to the head and neck, during childhood.
- Family history of thyroid cancer, or inherited conditions such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2).
- Inherited gene mutation, including changes in genes such as RET or PTEN.
- Being female.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Non-cancerous (benign) thyroid disease.
- Autoimmune thyroid disease (such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis).
2025 Research Highlights on Thyroid Cancer and Survival
Researchers have published insights in 2025 that underline a clear message: early detection saves lives, especially for a cancer where treatment success is so tightly linked to stage at diagnosis.
AI Ultrasound Could Cut Unnecessary Biopsies
A July 2025 multicenter study showed that an AI-powered ultrasound model could dramatically reduce unnecessary thyroid biopsies by accurately identifying 86.8 per cent of benign nodules and bringing fine needle aspiration rates down from 68.5 per cent to just 9.1 per cent5.
The AI outperformed radiologists in distinguishing benign from malignant nodules, saving patients from invasive tests and anxiety. While a small percentage of indolent cancers were missed, researchers concluded that AI could safely help optimise thyroid nodule care and cut overtreatment. This may ultimately help the NHS reduce overdiagnosis and spare thousands of patients from unnecessary procedures.
Early Diagnosis Equals Near-Perfect Survival
Cancer Research UK reports that almost all (99.2 per cent) people in England diagnosed with thyroid cancer aged 15-44 survive their disease for ten years or more6. This statistic comes from large, national cancer registries and is directly referenced in their professional data release from May 2025.
The charity also highlights a steep contrast with older age groups, emphasising the link between early diagnosis, younger age, and excellent long-term prognosis for thyroid cancer in England.
A Breakthrough for Advanced Thyroid Cancer
A European-led trial found that FAP-targeted 177Lu therapy significantly extended median survival to 32 months for patients with advanced thyroid cancer that no longer responds to radioiodine or has spread to other organs7. This treatment, which targets cancer-associated fibroblasts, showed a promising safety profile and notable efficacy, offering new hope for those with aggressive or resistant disease.
Although only 2-3 per cent of thyroid cancers in the UK are diagnosed at an advanced stage, this therapy provides a safer and more effective option for patients who previously had limited alternatives.
How Early Detection is Changing the Future of Thyroid Cancer
As mentioned above, early detection is essential for the future of thyroid cancer, with better results and less invasive treatment needed. Neck ultrasound remains the gold standard for early diagnosis across NHS clinics, but new AI-assisted imaging technologies are emerging to help clinicians flag suspicious changes with greater speed and precision8.
For those at higher risk or seeking peace of mind, private services now offer radiation-free, multi-region MRI screening, such as those provided by Ezra, which can catch cancer-related changes before symptoms develop9. These approaches give patients and clinicians more options for early action and improved outcomes.
What You Can Do To Make a Difference This September
Ways to Get Involved
- Volunteer or donate to charities such as Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust, British Thyroid Foundation, Thyroid UK, and Cancer Research UK.
- Join a walk or fundraiser, like the Cancer Research UK “Walk 30 Miles in September” challenge or events through Thyroid UK.
- Wear the ribbon colours to spark conversations and raise awareness wherever possible.
- Support someone undergoing treatment with time, a listening ear, or practical help in daily life.
Spread Awareness
- Share trusted facts from Cancer Research UK or NHS websites on social media and with friends.
- Use hashtags like #ThyroidCancerUK or #CheckYourNeck to publish stories, infographics, and updates.
- Order or distribute flyers from the Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust to your community or workplace.
Connect to Community
- Find or join a support group through charities or your local NHS centre.
- Speak to your GP if you have concerns about your thyroid health or want reassurance.
- For a proactive step, consider options like multi-region, radiation-free MRI screening from providers like Ezra, especially for those wanting early, preventive checks in private healthcare settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is thyroid cancer hereditary in the UK?
Some types, especially medullary thyroid cancer, can be hereditary due to genetic mutations like RET, but most cases are not inherited.
What’s the UK survival rate?
About 84 per cent of people in England survive thyroid cancer for ten years or more; for those aged 15-44, nearly 99 per cent reach at least ten-year survival.
Is it treatable if caught early?
Yes, thyroid cancer is highly treatable when detected early, with excellent chances of recovery and long-term survival.
What age is thyroid cancer most common in the UK?
Thyroid cancer is most common in people aged 70-74, although younger adults have higher survival rates.
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.
