World Thyroid Day, observed annually on May 25, focuses on raising awareness, encouraging education and promoting the prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases. This year, Dr Fatima Hoosain, specialist general surgeon and Principal at South African Breast, Endocrine and Bone Centre, Apffelstaedt, Hoosain & Associates, is focusing on educating the public on the importance of distinguishing between thyroid cancer, thyroid dysfunction, stress and burnout, and how these relate to fatigue.
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The current situation
‘Millions of people around the world suffer from fatigue but are often not clear on the root cause,’ says Dr Hoosain. ‘Frequently, they are told that their exhaustion is linked to stress and burnout, which is very plausible. Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2026 report shows that 46% of respondents in sub-Saharan Africa reported feeling stressed in their jobs. However, fatigue may also be attributable to thyroid dysfunction, a common condition that can be effectively managed.’
The role of the thyroid gland
The thyroid gland, located in the lower front of the neck straddling the windpipe, may be small, but its role is crucial in regulating the body’s metabolism and growth. It directly or indirectly affects almost every function in the body, including temperature, the digestive system and mental development.
How thyroid disfunction can manifest
‘In cases of dysfunction, many patients become anxious that a thyroid cancer diagnosis will follow,’ says Dr Hoosain. ‘Yet thyroid dysfunction can manifest as other diseases, such as hypothyroidism (lack of thyroid hormones secreted) and hyperthyroidism (increase in thyroid hormones secreted), which essentially exhaust the body. These diseases are rarely cancerous and can usually be treated relatively easily.’
Who is at risk?
Research has shown that women are five to eight times more likely than men to experience thyroid problems. While not scientifically proven, it is suspected that the development of thyroid diseases is linked to autoimmunity, which is more common among women.
Early detection and knowing the symptoms is vital
‘While it is true that thyroid cancer diagnoses have risen globally in the past three decades,’ says Dr Hoosain, ‘early detection has meant mortality rates have remained largely stable during this period. It is also worth noting that thyroid cancer typically presents differently and is often identified through a thyroid nodule or findings from computerised tomography scans, MRIs and ultrasounds, rather than general symptoms like fatigue.
‘Being armed with the facts greatly increases the opportunity for early detection and diagnosis,’ Dr Hoosain explains. ‘Many patients may not realise, for example, that thyroid dysfunction can present as symptoms that overlap with burnout and stress-related fatigue, creating a genuine diagnostic grey area.’
Fatigue can be multifactorial; in other words, the result of having multiple conditions simultaneously. These may include anaemia, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, vitamin deficiency and sleep deprivation, among others.
Non-specific symptoms
‘When symptoms are non-specific, how patients are assessed matters as much as the diagnosis,’ says Dr Hoosain. ‘Often it is the case that such symptoms are either overlooked or over-interpreted.’
This is where a structured approach involving appropriate investigation, correct interpretation, and consistent follow-ups comes into play.
A key factor in early thyroid diagnosis is that doctors should not ignore patients who present early symptoms. Whilst these do vary, some can be fairly generic. The appearance of a lump in the neck, swollen lymph nodes, a persistent cough not linked to a cold, difficulty in breathing and constant voice changes and hoarseness are fairly common.
‘These signs and symptoms most commonly point to benign causes but can be related to thyroid cancer,’ says Hoosain. ‘If they are present, medical advice is recommended.’
If cancer is discovered…
In the event that cancer is discovered, surgery to remove half or all of the thyroid gland is recommended.
The slow growth of most thyroid cancers also means that if treated properly, they have an excellent prognosis. It is rare for thyroid cancers to require more aggressive treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy and biologicals.
‘Fatigue and exhaustion are often dismissed as part of modern life, but they are not always straightforward,’ concludes Dr Hoosain. ‘Understanding when symptoms may point to thyroid dysfunction, while also recognising that thyroid cancer typically presents differently, is an important part of ensuring patients receive appropriate reassurance, investigation and care.’
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Try this 5 minute test to find out if you might be experiencing a thyroid disorder
Words: Supplied
Additional Words: Roshaan Patel
Featured Image: Magnific
