Introduction
Cancer is a group of diseases that can originate in any body part, like any tissue or organ. It occurs when abnormal cell proliferation goes beyond its usual boundaries to invade surrounding body parts. Cancers originating from the thyroid gland are called thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer is increasing worldwide and ranks as the ninth most common cancer globally. About 12,000 men and 33,000 women are diagnosed with thyroid cancer each year, and 950 men and 1,100 women die due to thyroid cancer each year. The incidence of thyroid cancer has risen significantly over the last ten years.
A healthier lifestyle can reduce the occurrence and severity and improve the treatment in patients with thyroid cancer. So it is necessary to decrease the risk of thyroid cancer by making lifestyle modifications in diet, weight, physical activity, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and taking proper preventive measures.
Why Are Lifestyle Changes Beneficial for Thyroid Cancer?
Changing the diet and increasing physical activity can prevent the risk of cancer. And even after getting diagnosed with thyroid cancer, lifestyle changes may improve the ability to get through the treatment easily, better recovery, and even lead to a better prognosis. The benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle in preventing and treating cancer include the following:
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Maintain health and keep the body strong through the treatment.
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Improves the immune system to fight against cancer.
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Prevent other problems that could restrict treatment progression.
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Improves the mental health of the patient.
What Are the Lifestyle Changes That Can Curb Thyroid Cancer?
1) Smoking Cessation - Smoking can make thyroid cancer treatment less effective, and sometimes it can worsen the treatment. Smoking irritates the throat and adjacent structures, which may already be very irritated from treatments, thus slowing tissue healing. So it is recommended to quit smoking, which helps repair the body and boosts the immune system. So it aids in fighting cancer and improves recovery from treatment.
2) Healthy Diet Changes - A healthy diet can improve energy levels, boost immunity, and help tissue heal and recover. A study has found that overweight individuals have a 25 percent greater risk for thyroid cancer, and obese individuals have a 55 percent greater risk for thyroid than normal-weight individuals. These findings were supported by a study conducted by the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), which stated that individuals consuming increased amounts of calories have around 30 percent higher risk for thyroid cancer when compared with those consuming fewer calories. A dietician can provide a healthier meal plan for patients with thyroid issues.
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Avoiding Meat - Persons taking larger amounts of poultry and pork were at higher risk for thyroid cancer than those who consumed less or none of this meat. In a large study of dietary habits and overall cancer risk, people consuming red meat have a 57 percent greater thyroid cancer risk.
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Low-Iodine Diets - For patients with thyroid problems, an increased amount of iodine can worsen thyroid issues, especially hyperthyroidism. Iodine intake should be monitored, particularly if an individual takes iodine-containing medications or receives radiology procedures involving injecting iodinated dye. It is advisable to avoid foods high in iodine, such as iodized salt, iodized cheese, milk, eggs, kelp, and saltwater fish.
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Eat More Vegetables - People with thyroid cancer have shown around a 25 percent reduction in thyroid cancer risks by consuming a good amount of vegetables. Also, there was no significant reduction in thyroid cancer risk in patients consuming more fruits.
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Avoid Raw Goitrogens - Goitrogens are naturally occurring compounds in vegetables and fruits that can interfere with thyroid gland functioning. These compounds can disrupt thyroid hormone production by interfering with the use of iodine. Goitrogens-rich foods include soy products, strawberries, peaches, kale, and cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli. Cooking these foods instead of eating them raw reduces goitrogenic properties.
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Restrain From Caffeine - People undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer are advised to avoid caffeine intake. Research shows that caffeine in coffee can interfere with how the body absorbs the replacement hormones. So avoiding any caffeine-containing beverage, including coffee, tea, or soda, is recommended for at least a few hours after taking thyroid medication.
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Moderate Alcohol Consumption - When alcohol is taken moderately, it can benefit the thyroid. An NIH-AARP study has shown that about 45 percent of thyroid in people consume two drinks per day compared to people taking no alcohol. However, there is an increased risk of other cancer with the use of alcohol.
3) Controlling Stress - When a person is under stress, the adrenal gland produces cortisol, the stress hormone. Cortisol helps the body prepare for stress and danger (fight or flight response). However, very high cortisol levels can be dangerous to an individual's health over a while. Also, researchers found that cortisol may affect thyroid function, which can even harm brain health. Reducing stress may help in preserving thyroid health. Practicing relaxation techniques, like yoga or meditation, will be beneficial in managing stress.
4) Exercising Regularly - Regular exercise has many health benefits. Mainly, it helps the body to cope better with cancer treatment. Other benefits of regular exercise include:
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Promoting overall well-being and fitness.
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Boost the energy level.
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Enhance the immune system.
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Improves mood and reduces stress.
5) Reducing Infection Risks - A person's immunity is highly suppressed when affected by cancer and undergoing its treatment. The chance of infection is very high in people with reduced immunity. It can also increase the severity of common infections, like a cold or flu. The following few routines can reduce infection risk:
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Wash hands often or use hand sanitizer.
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Avoid crowded and infection-prone locations, especially during cold and flu season.
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Keep the place clean and disinfect surfaces and objects often.
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Avoid eating food from outside; if doing so, choose a hygienic place.
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Do not touch the eyes, mouth, and nose with unwashed hands.
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Get vaccines as advised by the healthcare provider.
6) Managing Tiredness - Being tired is common with cancer. It is necessary to balance rest and other activities to prevent getting tired. So, prioritize tasks and get help with daily activities. Also, schedule time for adequate rest.
Conclusion
Cancer and its treatment can affect the person physically and mentally. Diagnosis and management at an early age can help the person return to routine life. Lifestyle changes can help for better outcomes of the treatment and prevent the occurrences of cancers. For thyroid patients, a healthy diet and regular exercise are pivotal for the improvement of health. Healthcare providers can guide patients through what lifestyle changes should be inculcated to lead a healthy life for a thyroid cancer patient.
