# Causes and risk factors of thyroid cancer

> What causes thyroid cancer is not fully known: genetic changes, and three factors that raise the risk (female sex, radiation and inherited syndromes).

Source: https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/causes-of-thyroid-cancer/  
Updated: 2026-09-30

Blog · [Thyroid](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/#thyroid)

By: [Prof. Dr. Ayşenur Meriç Hafız](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/about/) · Translated from the original Turkish article.

Diagram The main known risk factors for thyroid cancer.

It is not clear what causes thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer occurs when the cells in your thyroid undergo genetic changes (mutations). The mutations allow the cells to grow and multiply rapidly. Unlike normal cells, they also lose the ability to die. The accumulating abnormal thyroid cells form a tumour. The abnormal cells can invade nearby tissue and spread throughout the body.

## Risk factors

Factors that may increase the risk of thyroid cancer include:

- Female sex: Thyroid cancer is more common in women than in men.
- Exposure to high levels of radiation: Examples of exposure to high levels of radiation include radiation treatments for head and neck cancer, and fallout from sources such as nuclear power plant accidents and nuclear weapons testing.
- Certain inherited genetic syndromes: The genetic syndromes that increase the risk of thyroid cancer are familial medullary thyroid cancer and multiple endocrine neoplasia.

[Read more in Treatment areasThyroid Cancer](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/treatments/thyroid/thyroid-cancer/)

The outcomes of surgical and medical procedures vary from person to person; consult your doctor for an assessment specific to you.

## More on this topic

- [What is thyroid cancer?](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/what-is-thyroid-cancer/)
- [What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer?](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/what-are-the-symptoms-of-thyroid-cancer/)
- [Treatments for thyroid cancer](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/thyroid-cancer-treatments/)
- [Thyroid ultrasound](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/thyroid-ultrasound/)

[All articles](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/)

Contact

## For appointments and questions

WhatsApp is the fastest way to reach us. You can also call, or use the contact form.

[Message on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/905358113949?text=Hello%2C%20I%20would%20like%20to%20request%20an%20appointment.)[+90 535 811 39 49](tel:+905358113949)[Request an appointment](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/contact/#form)