What Residents in Ramsey County Should Know About Thyroid Cancer

by Gavin Folkert

November 2025

Most North Dakota residents have been affected by cancer in one way or another. No surprise, then, that certain cancers tend to be more common here than in other parts of the country. Thyroid cancer (TC) is one of them. The North Dakota Department of Health reviewed the most common cancers in the decade leading up to 2018 and found TC in the top 10. The National Cancer Institute also notes that North Dakota's TC rate is about 20 percent higher than the national average. This makes TC a concern that deserves attention in Ramsey County and neighboring areas.

Before talking about TC, it's worth taking a quick look at the thyroid. Small but powerful, this butterfly-shaped gland in the neck produces hormones that control how the body uses energy. Those hormones affect everything from temperature and heartbeat to digestion and energy levels. When the thyroid falters – or if cancer develops – the body can quickly fall out of balance.

What causes TC isn't always obvious. University of North Dakota researchers studied the possibility that the state's rates might be linked to agricultural practices, but results didn't provide a clear answer. However, doctors do know that TC starts when cells in the thyroid gland begin to grow in ways they shouldn't. Experts say that childhood cancers requiring radiation treatment, family history, or rare inherited conditions raise risk the most. Even though they are popular research and discussion topics, factors like diet, farming, or daily stress haven't been shown to directly cause TC. For most people, the cause can't be pinned down.

TC does not always make itself known. Sometimes it causes no symptoms at all. Other times, a lump in the front of the neck may show up, or swelling might be noticed when swallowing. A hoarse voice or a feeling of tightness in the throat can be clues too.

Federal guidelines do not recommend routine screening for TC. However, because thyroid nodules, or little lumps, are a common occurrence, they do need to be sorted in order to find the ones that need attention from the ones that are harmless. If a lump is noticed, the first step is to bring it up with a healthcare provider. Their exam and an ultrasound can show whether a nodule looks suspicious. If it does, a thin-needle biopsy can confirm if cancer cells are present.

If cancer is found, standard treatment is surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland. Most patients then take thyroid hormone pills for life to replace what the thyroid used to produce. Sometimes radioactive iodine is given after surgery to destroy any leftover cells. For unusual or advanced types, other treatments such as targeted medicines or radiation may be used.

Preventing TC is not always possible, but risk can be lowered. Avoiding unnecessary radiation, eating a diet with adequate iodine from iodized salt, seafood, dairy, and eggs, and staying aware of family history are good steps.

Prevention efforts and risk awareness aside, the most important action is not ignoring a lump in the neck. See a healthcare provider. TC is treatable and catching it early makes care easier.

About the Author

Gavin Folkert is a third-year medical student at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences. He was selected as the Devils Lake participant for the school's ROME program, or Rural Opportunities in Medical Education. Part of the ROME program teaches student doctors how rural newspapers can be partners for sharing health information. The information presented here is not intended for diagnosis or treatment and should not be used in place of previous medical advice provided by a licensed provider.