Thyroid cancer, affecting up to one in 20 Britons, often takes years to diagnose due to its symptoms mirroring other conditions. A recent study by the University of Aberdeen, in collaboration with leading thyroid charities, discovered that it takes an average of 4.5 years for a thyroid condition to be diagnosed.
The research, which examined nearly 1,200 patients' experiences, found that in almost two-thirds of cases, multiple appointments and worsening symptoms were necessary before a diagnosis was made. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, just in front of the windpipe. It produces hormones that regulate heart rate, body temperature, and metabolism - the process of converting food into energy.
These hormones, known as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), can cause unpleasant and potentially serious problems if their levels are too high or too low. An overactive thyroid can affect anyone, but it's about 10 times more common in women than men, typically occurring between the ages of 20 and 40. The University of Aberdeen stated: "One in 20 people in the UK have a thyroid problem, with women six times more likely to suffer from the condition than men.
Posing serious implications for the physical, mental and emotional life of those affected, thyroid patients are at greater risk of experiencing long-term sick leave and impairment of working ability." "The study gathered data on almost 1,200 patients' experience from the onset of symptoms through.