Coping and Support Learning about a diagnosis of thyroid cancer can be frightening. You may feel as if you don’t know what to do next. But in the end, everyone can find their own way to cope with cancer. Before you find what works best for you, consider trying: 1. Learn enough about thyroid cancer to help you make treatment decisions. Write down detailed information about the thyroid cancer you have, such as type, stage and treatment options. Ask your doctor where you can get more information. Some good sources of information you can start with include the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, and the American Thyroid Association; 2. Contact other people with thyroid cancer. Talking to someone in the same situation may help you find comfort. Ask your doctor about support groups in your area. Or contact someone with thyroid cancer through your doctor or online through the Internet; 3. Control the controllable factors of your health. You can’t control whether you will develop thyroid cancer, but you can take steps to keep your body healthy during and after treatment. For example, consume healthy foods based on a variety of fruits and vegetables, make sure you get enough sleep each night and wake up mentally relaxed in the morning, and also make sure you are physically active most days of the week. Prevention The cause of most cases of thyroid cancer cannot be determined, so there is no way to prevent thyroid cancer in people who are at an average risk of developing the disease. Prevention for people at high risk Adults and children with genetic mutations are at increased risk of developing medullary thyroid cancer, and doctors often recommend thyroid surgery to prevent cancer in these individuals (prophylactic thyroidectomy). Discuss your options with a genetic counselor who can explain your thyroid cancer risk and treatment options. Prevention for people near nuclear power plants Radioactive fallout from a nuclear accident at a nuclear power plant can cause thyroid cancer in people living nearby. If you live within 10 miles of a nuclear power plant in the United States, you may need to take a medication (potassium iodide) to stop the effects of radiation on your thyroid. If it’s an emergency, you and your family can take potassium iodide tablets to help prevent thyroid cancer.