International Thyroid Awareness Week is 21st – 27th May.
Thyroid Federation International (TFI) instigated ITAW to recognise the importance of raising awareness worldwide through its member organisations. The ATF is a member of TFI.
World Thyroid Day is an annual awareness day that was established in 2008 during the congress of the European Thyroid Association (ETA). It focuses on increasing awareness of thyroid health and educating about prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases.
The thyroid gland, often referred to as simply the thyroid, is one of the largest endocrine glands. This butterfly-shaped gland is located in the neck. Hormones produced by the thyroid influence critical body functions and regulate metabolism, therefore thyroid health is extremely important.
Thyroid disorders are very common worldwide, they affect people of all ages and have a large range of symptoms. The most common thyroid disorders include hyperthyroidism (abnormally increased thyroid activity), hypothyroidism (abnormally decreased thyroid activity), thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland) and thyroid cancer. They are often caused by iodine deficiency.
World Thyroid Day aims at increasing public awareness of thyroid deceases, namely the importance of their timely diagnosis, treatment and prevention. World Thyroid Day events and activities are coordinated by the European Thyroid Association, the American Thyroid Association, the Latin American Thyroid Society, and the Asia & Oceania Thyroid Association.
The ATF encourages you to visit the ATF website and explore the pages to learn more about the Thyroid and managing your thyroid health.
