Prevention of Thyroid Disease

All articles related to primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of thyroid disease were reviewed. Using related key words, articles published between 2001-2012 were evaluated, categorized and analyzed. In primary prevention, the prominent issue is elimination of iodine deficiency, which has already been achieved in Iran. New investigations related to the effect of cigarette smoking and alcohol are available. In secondary prevention, congenital hypothyroidism and subclinical hypo- and hyperthyroidism are important. Routine screening of patients with multionodular goiter by either ultrasonography or calcitonin is controversial, while calcitionin measurement in medullary cancer and RET in family members are recommended. Screening of thyroid disease in pregnancy is limited to those with risk factors. In tertiary prevention, avoidance of excessive doses of levothyroxine, in particular in the elderly, and appropriate care of all patients to avoid progression and complications are the key issues. For health promotion, there is a necessity for primary, secondary and treatiary prevention of thyroid disease, which must be taken into consideration and prioritized by health authorities.