Early Detection of Thyroid Cancer
People who detect thyroid cancer early say that the neck check is the best 3 minutes they’ve spent.
Who should do it?
Any adult who has thyroid issues.
How often should you do it?
If you’re already in the habit of doing self-breast exams once per month, you might find it easy to do your Neck Check during the same session. Together they should take no more than five minutes.
What do you need?
Get a hand mirror and a glass of water ready. Make sure your clothes are not in the way of your neck – no turtlenecks.
What should your thyroid feel like?
Most people won’t feel their thyroid, and that’s normal. What you will feel in this area is skin, muscle, and connective tissue. If your thyroid is enlarged or has nodules, you might feel it.
How will you know if something is unusual?
The first few times, you won’t. But your sense of touch has memory. The more regularly you do the neck check, the better you’ll be able to notice if something is different. Talk to your doctor if you feel anything that seems out of place in this area. Let them know you just did your first neck check and want reassurance. A good doctor will be glad you’re taking your health seriously.