Cancer is caused due to abnormal mutations of genes or abnormal activity of a gland, thus thyroid cancer results due to certain genetic characteristics and also due to an anomaly in the thyroid gland.

Predisposing factors for thyroid cancer

Age
Thyroid symptoms occur mostly between the age of 30 and 50, so it is mandatory that both men and women who are past 30 go in for a regular screening to check for goiter or lumps in the neck region, and also do blood tests that help in checking the level of thyroid hormones in the blood. This would serve as an easy indication for early diagnosis too.

Gender
Women are more susceptible to thyroid abnormalities than men during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, hence it is highly recommended that women go in for annual checkups and watch out for any surge in the hormone levels.

Family history
Hereditary characteristics are transferred in genes and a person who has a strong family history of thyroid cancer is believed to inherently carry RET (Rearranged during Transfection) gene that is responsible for abnormal mutation, which results in medullary thyroid carcinoma. Genetic counseling and continuous genetic tests are advised for people who possess a strong family history of thyroid cancer as a means of preventative measure for thyroid cancer.

Exposure to radiation
It is believed that radiation of any type affects the thyroid to a certain extent, the rays are absorbed by the gland and sometimes makes it weak to absorb the iodine from the system which is very much essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. People who are working in nuclear plants need to take extra care as the radioactive iodine that they are exposed to will be easily absorbed by the gland, which cannot differentiate the normal iodine and the radioactive one and hampers the complete function of the thyroid gland.

Complete lack of iodine or an excessive intake of iodine
People who stay in countries where there is less chance of taking in iodine suffer from malfunctioning of the gland called hypothyroidism whereas excessive iodine intake results in hyperactivity of the gland called hyperthyroidism. Both of these abnormalities, if left untreated, can result in thyroid cancer.

Unhealthy diet
Foods that are processed, canned, and highly salted should be avoided to prevent thyroid problems. Dairy products, eggs, and red meat contribute a lot to this ailment. A healthy diet comprising of more fruits and vegetables is strongly advised and is the best preventative measure for thyroid cancer.

Smoking
It is proven that smoking impacts the thyroid to a large extent by altering the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood and causing a condition called multinodular goiter in iodine-deficient areas in the gland. Cutting down on smoking helps to stabilize the hormone levels.

Menopause and hysterectomy
Menopause and hysterectomy in women play a vital role in contributing to thyroid cancer. During natural or surgical menopause, estrogen hormone increases and results in a condition called estrogen dominance, which releases thyroid binding globulins that bind to thyroid hormones making it unavailable to the cells resulting in malfunctioning of the gland.