Just this morning, a close friend confided in me some deeply painful news—her daughter has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I tried to offer comfort by recounting stories of co-workers who faced the same disease and came out strong. But I faltered when I was told that she is only 12 years old. I realized that my comfort stories were those of adults. How, then, do you explain “cancer” to a 12-year old child?

Thyroid cancer, once considered rare, is becoming increasingly common. I know of about three or four colleagues who have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Some people attempt to link this rise to COVID-19 vaccines, but scientific evidence does not support such claims. The truth is, the numbers have been steadily increasing due to improved detection and increased environmental risk factors.

This small butterfly-shaped gland in our neck is vital to regulating metabolism, but it has turned into a growing concern in public health. In 2020, there were over 586,000 recorded new thyroid cancer cases globally. Here in the Philippines, the disease now ranks as the seventh most common cancer, with over 7,700 new cases—most of them women, according to the Department of Health. Alarmingly, young girls between 15 to 24 are among the most vulnerable. And now, my friend’s 12-year-old is part of this grim statistic.

Still, there is reason for hope. Thyroid cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer when detected early. Surgery, radioactive iodine, and hormone therapy often result in long-term survival. Despite its prevalence, it ranks only 21st in cancer-related deaths in the country.

However, that hope depends on access to timely care—something many Filipinos still lack. While Republic Acts No. 10786 (National Thyroid Cancer Awareness Week Act) and 11215 (National Integrated Cancer Control Act) aim to raise awareness and expand cancer care, actual treatment remains challenging.

We must treat thyroid cancer not just as a medical condition but as a national health priority. Our children deserve better—more education, earlier screenings, and more equitable care. With the right support, we can turn stories of fear into ones of healing and survival.