The week that falls on May 25th each year is International Thyroid Awareness Week. 2024 marks the 16th International Thyroid Awareness Week. This year, the theme of International Thyroid Awareness Week is "Thyroid Disease is Also a Chronic Disease," emphasizing the importance of protecting the thyroid from a chronic disease prevention perspective. It also urges the public to pay attention to the prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases, and to enhance awareness and protective capabilities regarding thyroid health.
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During the promotional period, several industry experts engaged in discussions on the management and public education of thyroid diseases. The experts suggested that spreading awareness about thyroid health, enhancing early screening and diagnosis awareness, and improving thyroid disease management are crucial steps to reduce the risks of various chronic conditions caused by thyroid dysfunction and to effectively address thyroid diseases.
Dr. Shan Zhongyan, Deputy Director of the Endocrinology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, stated, "The thyroid is an organ that secretes thyroid hormones. Once affected, it can lead to structural abnormalities, functional disorders, and immune abnormalities. Structural abnormalities manifest as thyroid nodules and goiters, while functional disorders can result in hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Immune abnormalities refer to immune disorders targeting thyroid-specific antigens." These harms can impact one's entire life cycle, increasing the risks of conditions like abnormal blood sugar and lipids, cardiovascular diseases, and osteoporosis. Due to the subtle onset of thyroid diseases, Dr. Shan emphasized the importance of public health education to enhance overall prevention and control of thyroid diseases.
Many people now assess thyroid health based on the presence of nodules. Regarding this, Dr. Fang Jugao, Consultant of the Thyroid Disease Branch of the China International Health Exchange and Promotion Association and former Director, mentioned that most thyroid nodules are benign. Proper evaluation through methods like ultrasound and blood tests is essential, and any abnormalities should be addressed with scientific medication interventions. Factors such as genetic inheritance, dietary preferences, local iodine levels, and individual characteristics contribute to thyroid diseases, emphasizing the need for adopting healthy lifestyle habits.
"Iodine is an essential trace element in the body, crucial for thyroid hormone synthesis. Iodine deficiency can lead to systemic diseases, and iodized salt is a primary measure to prevent iodine deficiency disorders, effectively preventing both deficiency and excess iodine-related risks," explained Dr. Teng Weiping, Honorary Chairman of the Endocrinology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association and Vice Chairman of the Asian Thyroid Association. He highlighted the importance of moderate iodine supplementation and cautioned against both inadequate and excessive intake.
As a common chronic condition, many thyroid diseases require lifelong management. Dr. Shan provided various recommendations, including maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in moderate exercise, ensuring sufficient rest, and scientifically managing iodine intake to improve the condition. Patients requiring thyroid hormone supplementation should adhere to prescribed dosages, undergo regular thyroid function tests, collaborate with healthcare providers to adjust treatment plans based on individual conditions, and maintain open communication to enhance treatment confidence.
Dr. Wu Jing, Director of the Chronic Disease Center at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, emphasized that thyroid diseases can affect multiple organs and systems in the body, increasing the risks of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Strengthening scientific management is crucial, and he advocated for early screening through thyroid function tests and ultrasound examinations to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, effectively promoting chronic disease prevention and control. Dr. Wu called for collaborative efforts from all sectors to enhance thyroid disease prevention and control.
Dr. Ma Xiao, Director of the Health Examination Center at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital and Vice Chairman of the Health Management Branch of the Beijing Medical Association, stressed the importance of raising public awareness, especially among key populations, about thyroid function screening to effectively address thyroid diseases. He urged hospitals and relevant institutions at all levels to emphasize the significance of thyroid function tests, encouraging more societal focus on thyroid health.
