Thyroid cancer
Below are general statistics based on large groups of people. Remember, they can’t tell you what will happen in your individual case.
The terms 1 year survival and 5 year survival don't mean that you will only live for 1 or 5 years.
The NHS, other health organisations, and researchers collect information. They record what happens to people with cancer in the years after their diagnosis. 5 years is a common time point to measure survival. But some people live much longer than this.
5 year survival is the number of people who have not died from their cancer within 5 years after diagnosis.
There are no UK-wide statistics available for thyroid cancer survival by stage. Survival statistics are available for all stages of thyroid cancer in England. These statistics are for people diagnosed between 2016 and 2020. There are some differences between men and women:
around 90 out of every 100 men (around 90%) survive thyroid cancer for at least 1 year after diagnosis
almost 95 out of every 100 women (almost 95%) survive thyroid cancer for at least 1 year after diagnosis
Around 85 out of every 100 men (around 85%) survive thyroid cancer for at least 5 years after diagnosis
90 out of every 100 women (90%) survive thyroid cancer for at least 5 years after diagnosis
Around 85 out of every 100 people (around 85%) survive their cancer for 10 years or more after diagnosis
The survival statistics below are from a large European study. They are based on people treated in the UK and Ireland between 2000 and 2007. Treatments improve over time, so people treated now may have a better outlook.
With thyroid cancer, the most important factor that affects survival is the type and stage of thyroid cancer you have.
Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type of thyroid cancer.
Your outlook depends on the type and stage of your thyroid cancer when it’s diagnosed. Stage means how big it is and whether it has spread. The outcome is usually better when the cancer is at an early stage.
Your likely survival is also affected by your age. Survival is better in younger men and women.
If you have other medical conditions, this might influence the treatment you can have. It might also affect your likely survival.
Last reviewed: 14 Jul 2023
Next review due: 14 Jul 2026
The type of thyroid cancer refers to the type of cell the cancer started in. The stage of a cancer tells you its size and whether it has spread.
Possible treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, targeted drugs and chemotherapy. What treatment you have depends on your type and stage of thyroid cancer.
Some factors might increase your risk of developing thyroid cancer. These include your age, being very overweight and some non cancerous thyroid conditions.
Practical and emotional support is available to help you cope with thyroid cancer.
The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland that makes and releases hormones. It’s found at the front of your neck in the lowest part.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.
Connect with other people affected by cancer and share your experiences.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
