Thyroid Diseases

Thyroid diseases affect Black Americans in ways that reflect significant healthcare disparities. Black Americans are less likely to be diagnosed with thyroid disorders despite having risk factors, largely due to lower rates of screening and fewer referrals for thyroid testing. When diagnosed, Black Americans are more likely to present at later stages of disease and experience more severe symptoms. Black women, who are already at higher risk for thyroid disorders, face compounded barriers including lack of access to endocrinologists and delayed specialist referrals. Additionally, thyroid cancer, while less common in Black Americans, is associated with higher mortality rates due to later-stage diagnosis and differences in tumor biology. Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease may be underdiagnosed in Black communities due to clinical bias and limited access to autoimmune testing. Addressing these disparities requires increased screening, equitable access to endocrine care, and culturally competent treatment.