Every year on May 25, many countries celebrate World Thyroid Day.
The date was included in the calendar in 2009, when the European Thyroid Association (ETA —, this organization studies issues related to the thyroid gland and its diseases) proposed celebrating a day dedicated to this topic on May 25 at the international level. This initiative was supported by other medical communities of a similar nature working in Asia, North and Latin America.
The new World Day in the calendar helps to carry out additional activities aimed at increasing public awareness of possible thyroid diseases and methods of preventing them, as well as promoting modern methods of preventing and treating diseases of this organ.
The thyroid gland (« thyroid») is considered one of the largest organs of the endocrine system. It produces hormones that regulate metabolism in the body, which affect cell growth and the development of the body. Thyroid hormones help regulate oxygen consumption by body tissues; they are responsible for the normal functioning of the immune system: they stimulate its cells, with the help of which the body has to fight infections. Thus, the thyroid gland affects all aspects of a person’s life, including even his mood and appearance.
According to medical statistics, up to a third of the world's population suffers from various problems with the thyroid gland. Nodules are detected in 30 percent of adults, goiter (enlargement of the gland as a result of iodine deficiency) — in 10–30 percent.
Meanwhile, most diseases of this important organ are currently considered curable. As for diseases caused by iodine deficiency, they can be prevented —, for example, with the help of universal iodization programs for table salt, which operates in many countries around the world. Sources of iodine in the diet include seafood: seaweed, squid, cod liver, sea fish, shrimp.
On World Thyroid Day, medical organizations hold specialized events — conferences, forums, seminars where issues of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases are discussed.
• Infographics – poster «May 25 — World Thyroid Day»
• Article «Thyroid: baby, iodine!»