Prevention

Most cases of thyroid cancer cannot be prevented.

You may be much more likely to get medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) if you have a gene carried by some families. A genetic test can show if you carry this gene. If your test is positive for the gene, you may want to talk with your doctor about having your thyroid removed to prevent getting thyroid cancer later in life.

Home Treatment

There are certain things you can do to feel better or to reduce the side effects of your treatment for thyroid cancer. Healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep and exercise may help control your symptoms. If you have chemotherapy, your doctor may also give you medicines to control and prevent nausea and vomiting.

• Nausea. Tips include watching for and treating early signs of dehydration, such as having a dry mouth or feeling lightheaded when you stand up. Eating smaller meals may help. So can a little bit of ginger candy or ginger tea.
• Fatigue. Tips include making sure you get extra rest. You may feel most tired at the end of treatment or just after treatment is completed.
• For a dry mouth, take frequent sips of water throughout the day. Sugar-free gum or sugar-free hard candy will help keep your mouth moist without promoting tooth decay. Tart liquids and foods, such as lemonade or dill pickles, may help stimulate the flow of saliva. There are also saliva substitutes that you can buy at a drug store.
• Hair loss. If you need high doses of radioactive iodine treatment, you may have some hair loss, but it is usually very mild. And you may be the only one who notices it.

Handling the stress of having cancer

Having cancer can be very stressful, and it may feel overwhelming to face the challenges in front of you. Finding new ways of coping with the symptoms of stress may improve your overall quality of life. These ideas may help:

• Get the support you need. Spend time with people who care about you, and let them help you.
• Take good care of yourself. Get plenty of rest, and eat nourishing foods.
• Talk about your feelings. Find a support group where you can share your experience.
• Stay positive. Do things each day that will help you stay calm and relaxed.