Rates are higher there than the national average for the USA. The incidence of thyroid cancer is rising, particularly in young women. Thyroid cancer is the most common cancer for women aged between 15 and 30. It’s the second most common (after breast cancer) for women aged 30 to 39. How many people realize how prevalent thyroid cancer has become? How often do you check the appearance of your thyroid gland for abnormalities? UCLA researcher Dr. Avital Harari headed the study that discovered this alarming data. She analysed 10 years worth of figures. Dr Harari found that Alpine, Amador and Calaveras counties had the most advanced cases of thyroid cancer. In Southern California, Santa Barbara County ranked fifth, San Bernardino County was 12th and Los Angeles County was 14th. Radiation is a known factor that raises the risk of thyroid cancer. However, many researchers believe that other environmental factors are also to blame. Pesticides, plastics and heavy metals have all been linked with thyroid cancer. They are particularly harmful in people who are nutrient deficient. Iodine, selenium and vitamin D help to protect thyroid cells from harmful environmental substances. Deficiencies in these nutrients are incredibly common and also raise the risk of other thyroid conditions. If you are low in these nutrients, they are all found in Thyroid Health capsules. Learn more about looking after your thyroid. Reference