Busting the “Lazy Cancer” Myth: China Launches Thyroid Cancer Awareness Day for Full-Cycle Care

Thyroid cancer is now the focus of a newly established national awareness day in China, as “Thyroid Cancer Prevention and Treatment Day.”

Jointly initiated by leading major professional medical associations in China, this move is a direct response to the disease’s rising global incidence and aims to shift its public perception as a harmless “lazy cancer” toward comprehensive, lifelong management.

Often labeled a “lazy cancer” due to its typically long course and high early-stage survival rate, this nickname is now being challenged by experts.

They caution that it creates a dangerous misunderstanding, as some highly aggressive types can progress rapidly and be life-threatening.

“The term ‘lazy cancer’ is neither scientific nor comprehensive,” stated Professor Tian Wen, vice president of the CMDA Medical Science Popularization Branch.

“While we have well-differentiated types like papillary and follicular carcinoma, which generally have a favorable prognosis, there are also highly malignant forms, such as medullary carcinoma and anaplastic/poorly differentiated carcinoma. These aggressive types can lead to early lymph node or distant metastases to organs like the lungs and bones.”

From Single Treatment to Full-Cycle Management For Thyroid Cancer

The establishment of the awareness day marks a significant shift in thyroid cancer care.

A core event, the “2025 Thyroid Cancer Prevention and Treatment Day & Summit on Whole-Process Management and Science Communication,” was held in Guangzhou, bringing together national authorities to discuss the “Prevention-Screening-Diagnosis-Treatment-Rehabilitation” continuum.

Experts highlighted that post-operative management remains a vulnerable link in the current care system, where non-standardized follow-up and treatment can significantly increase the risk of recurrence and metastasis.

“Recurrence risk differs, so management strategies must differ,” explained Professor Tian.

“For instance, high-risk patients may require not only thyroxine suppression therapy but also potentially radioiodine (I-131) therapy.

Conversely, low-risk patients, while initially presenting minimal threat, can experience disease progression and transition to a high-risk category during follow-up.

Therefore, dynamic risk assessment and consistent follow-up are the most crucial concepts.”

A key aspect of post-operative dynamic assessment involves elevating the patient’s Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level to a target range.

Currently, two clinical methods are used to raise TSH:

• The conventional method of withholding thyroid hormone medication (thyroid hormone withdrawal), which physiologically elevates TSH.

• The administration of recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) injections enabling a rapid TSH surge within a short period.

The traditional withdrawal method often imposes significant discomfort and health risks on patients during assessment, leading many to refuse or delay evaluation.

The application of recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) can improve acceptance of these necessary evaluations, thereby contributing to better long-term survival rates.

Empowering Patients: Medication and Lifestyle

HKDengyuemed strongly emphasizes the importance of scientific and standardized drug use.

It is highly dangerous for some patients to stop their medication or arbitrarily adjust dosages without medical guidance.

Drug storage conditions, timing of administration, and dosage adjustments all require strict adherence to a doctor’s instructions and dynamic monitoring.

On lifestyle management, we advised patients to resume normal work and daily life as soon as possible, avoiding excessive anxiety and stress.

And reminded patients to avoid excessive intake of high-iodine foods like kelp and laver but reassured that maintaining a balanced diet is crucial.

“A positive mood, regular sleep patterns, and moderate exercise are equally important for reducing recurrence risks.”

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