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A senior endocrinologist has said that thyroid cancer rates in Cyprus are significantly elevated compared with the rest of Europe, while stressing that current evidence does not connect this trend to regional conflicts.
Stelia Ioannidou Kadis, a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Nicosia Medical School, explained that the frequency of thyroid cancer cases on the island is nearly four times higher than the average across European Union countries. She also pointed out that Cyprus stands out globally for particularly high rates among children and teenagers, although the reasons behind this remain unclear.
Despite concerns raised in public discussions, Kadis emphasized that there is currently no scientific evidence linking these cancer rates to environmental impacts from ongoing wars or conflicts in the surrounding region.
Thyroid cancer is the most prevalent cancer affecting the endocrine system, accounting for the vast majority of such cases, and represents a small proportion of cancers overall. Data from the Cyprus Cancer Archive indicate that it is especially common locally, ranking second among cancers in women and sixth in men, with most diagnoses occurring between the ages of 35 and 59.
Known risk factors include prior exposure to radiation, particularly during childhood, existing thyroid conditions, genetic predisposition, obesity, iodine deficiency, and increasing age. In many cases, patients may not notice symptoms early on, but warning signs can include persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or a noticeable lump in the neck.
Kadis emphasized that, although the incidence rates are concerning, thyroid cancer is highly treatable. She stressed that early detection and prompt care from specialized medical teams play a crucial role in achieving successful outcomes.
