For many people, the diagnosis comes later, often around age 51. That raises an important question for researchers: Could screening people who are at higher risk help find thyroid cancer sooner, when treatment may be more timely and effective?
City of Hope is working to answer that question through a thyroid cancer screening study at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center. The study will help researchers better understand who may benefit from screening and whether targeted screening can support earlier detection for people with elevated risk factors.
“Approximately 45,240 people are expected to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer in the U.S. in 2026. Many had no early symptoms. That is why the average age at diagnosis is 51 when its progressed further,” said Ping Wang, M.D., an endocrinologist at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center and professor and chair of the Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism at City of Hope. “The good news is that thyroid cancer is often highly treatable, especially when it is found early.”
Study participants who volunteer may receive a neck ultrasound, complete a few short questionnaires and share medical records. If thyroid cancer is found, participants would be followed annually for up to five years.
Dr. Wang and the research team are looking for patients who are 18–70 years old and meet at least one of the following:
- A documented germline genetic variant linked to thyroid cancer risk
- OR prior radiation exposure or a first-degree relative with thyroid cancer
- OR two or more criteria (female, Asian, BMI ≥ 30, family history of thyroid disease, or a prior ER-positive breast cancer)
City of Hope’s thyroid cancer program brings together specialists who provide personalized, comprehensive treatment plans paired with clinical trials that provide access to more precise surgical and radiation therapy techniques, breakthrough drugs, side effect management and integrative medicine.
Think you or someone you know may be at higher risk for thyroid cancer? Current City of Hope patients are encouraged to talk with their City of Hope physician about whether this screening study may be right for them. Interested individuals who are not currently City of Hope patients may contact New Patient Services at (888) 333-4673 to learn more.
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