Do you know what type of cancer is growing at the fastest rate?
The incidence rate of thyroid cancer has been increasing sharply since the mid-1990s for both men and women, with an estimated 56,400 new cases expected in 2012 – and US women are 2-3 times more likely to get it than men. (cited from American Cancer Society)
September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month and The Balancing Act® brought vital information to its viewers with their segment “Understanding the Link Between Thyroid Cancer and Hypothyroidism.”
You can watch the show here: http://www.thebalancingact.com/video/?v=C674F1UEG04035
Here are some important facts:
• The thyroid, located in the lower, front part of your neck is shaped similarly to a butterfly with one wing.
• The thyroid produces thyroid hormone into your bloodstream, called T3 & T4
• Thyroid hormones help the body make energy, keep body temp regulated and assist other organs
• Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone due to removal or underactiivty
• Thyroid cells suck up circulating iodine from your blood to create T3 and T4
• There are 4 types of thyroid cancer (TC) – papillary (the most common), follicular, medullary & anaplastic
• It’s important to assemble the right team for your care, ask the right questions and get the right treatment plan for you.
Thyroid cancer can be discovered by a doctor or other health care provider who feels a lump or nodule on the front of a patient’s neck. The good news is only 5-10% of nodules turn out to be cancerous.
This cancer is highly treatable and successful for most people, but recurrence is possible so it does require a lifetime of careful monitoring.
Traditionally, patients go off their thyroid hormone therapy once a year to prepare for tests and endure weeks or months of hypothyroidism (symptoms can include fatigue to depression and dry skin and hair) – however there are new therapies available while doctors are testing for reoccurrence, so make sure to check out your options.
For more information, please go to: www.thyca.org and www.checkyourneck.com.
http://www.thyca.org/
