Early detection of thyroid diseases gains reinforcement in Paraguay with Thyroid Week 2026, a free national campaign taking place from May 18 to 25 at 20 hospitals and health centers in Asunción, Central, and interior cities. The action is promoted by the Paraguayan Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SPEM) together with the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare, the Hospital de Clínicas, and the Institute of Social Welfare (IPS).
The campaign offers thyroid ultrasounds, consultations with endocrinologists, clinical evaluations, palpation, and, in specialized units, biopsies of nodules for diagnosis. All activities are free and open to the public.
The initiative gains relevance after a multidisciplinary session held in Pedro Juan Caballero, where specialists detected seven cases compatible with thyroid cancer among 19 biopsies performed on patients with suspicious nodules, according to SPEM data.
The president of SPEM, Dr. Ana Iris Ramírez, warned about symptoms that often go unnoticed, such as persistent fatigue, unexplained weight changes, hair loss, and palpitations. She also cited anxiety, tremors, menstrual changes, intolerance to cold or heat, and the appearance of neck nodules as signs requiring medical evaluation.
The specialist recommended periodic exams especially for women over 35, people with a family history of thyroid disease, pregnant women, or women planning to become pregnant. According to her, many thyroid pathologies evolve silently and can affect metabolism, the cardiovascular system, fertility, and quality of life if not diagnosed in time.
Among the participating centers are the Hospital de Clínicas, IPS Central, IPS Ingavi, Hospital General de Barrio Obrero, Hospital General de Luque, Hospital Nacional de Itauguá, and regional hospitals of Coronel Oviedo, Encarnación, Ciudad del Este, San Juan Bautista, Areguá, and Concepción.
The Ministry of Health and the organizing scientific societies reported that each hospital will have its own service schedule, recommending that interested parties confirm dates and times in advance. They also advise bringing an identity card and previous laboratory tests to expedite the consultation.