The thyroid releases hormones important to the metabolism and located at the front of the neck.
Incidence
Nationwide there were 2297 new cases of thyroid cancer in 2012.
Risk of diagnosisbefore age 75
Men: 1 in 274 
Women: 1 in 92
Causes/Risk Factors
The causes of thyroid cancer are not fully understood. The established risk factors for thyroid cancer include:
Established risk factors include:
- Family history of benign thyroid disease .
- Radiation treatment to the neck area at a young age .
- Family history of thyroid cancer .
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
If the information on this website raises any questions or concerns relating to your cancer, please call Cancer Council on 13 11 20. Specialist cancer nurses staff the line Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm.