NHS symptoms of 'silent killer' 10 times more common in women

NHS symptoms of 'silent killer' 10 times more common in womenOn average, a diagnosis takes more than four yearsCommentsNewsKate Lally Content Editor10:25, 13 Apr 2026View ImageHere's when you should see your GP(Image: Getty)A condition that could impact as many as one in 200 people, frequently goes undetected.‌The illness is commonly known as the "silent killer", as its warning signs are regularly confused with other ailments. This results in an average diagnosis period of 4.5 years - a delay that can prove deadly for some sufferers. The NHS explains that symptoms can emerge gradually, creating a perfect storm for potential red flags to be missed. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland situated near the windpipe in our necks.‌It generates hormones that control vital bodily functions including heart rate and body temperature. Furthermore, it influences metabolism. The thyroid manufactures the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), and cancer of the gland can trigger an overproduction or underproduction of these hormones, potentially inflicting serious harm to the body.‌Thyroid cancer can strike anyone but is especially common among women, who are 10 times more likely to receive a diagnosis than men. The condition typically emerges between the ages of 20 and 40, and people are being encouraged to remain alert for the revealing signs.NHS thyroid cancer symptomsThe NHS lists the following symptoms of thyroid cancer on its website:Article continues belowa lump in the front, lower part of your neck – the lump usually feels hard, slowly gets bigger and is not painfula hoarse voicea sore throatdifficulty swallowing or breathingpain in the front of your neck, or a feeling like something is pressing against your necka red face (flushing) – this may be harder to see on brown or black skinsofter poos or diarrhoeaweight lossa coughYou should see a GP if:you've had a hoarse voice, sore throat or cough for more than three weeksyou...