Article: Thyroid cancer is 3 times more likely to occur in people who are biologically female than in people who are biologically male. The likelihood of being diagnosed with thyroid cancer also depends on your age. Women are usually diagnosed with thyroid cancer in their 40s-50s, while men are usually diagnosed in their 60s-70s. The risk of age can vary based on the type of thyroid cancer. Papillary thyroid cancer, which is the most common type, can occur at any age while the most aggressive form, anaplastic thyroid cancer, is more common in people over the age of 60. You may be at increased risk of developing thyroid cancer if someone else in your family has had it. The risk is especially high if one of your parents, a sibling, or your child has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Certain types of thyroid cancer, such as medullary thyroid cancer and familial non-medullary thyroid carcinoma, tend to run in families. About 25% of people with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) inherit the disease. If your family has a history of this type of thyroid cancer, you can get a DNA test to see if you have the gene for it. Certain kinds of genetic mutations and syndromes can increase your chances of developing thyroid cancer. You may be at risk of developing thyroid cancer if you have been diagnosed with: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Cowden disease. Carney complex, type I. People who have had other thyroid conditions, such as an inflamed thyroid or goiter, may have a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer. However, there is no increased risk associated with an overactive or underactive thyroid. Past exposure to radiation can increase your risk of developing thyroid cancer. People who received medical radiation treatments to the head and neck when they were children may be particularly at risk. You may also be at risk if you were ever exposed to radioactive fallout, e.g., from a nuclear weapon or a nuclear powerplant accident. Having an iodine deficiency may increase your risk of getting thyroid cancer. Most people in the US get plenty of iodine in their diets. However, if you live in a part of the world where iodine deficiency is common, or if you suspect you may have an iodine deficiency, talk to your doctor about adding more iodine to your diet.

What is a summary?
Note the connection between sex, age, and thyroid cancer. Look at the history of thyroid cancer in your family. Find out if you have other genetic risk factors. Examine your history of thyroid conditions. Determine if you have a history of radiation exposure. Make sure you get enough iodine in your diet.