Thyroid Cancer in Women Rises Dramatically

Health issues that affect only women, or mostly women, often do not get the intense scrutiny and research as those that affect both men and women equally. That's not a bash, it's just a fact of life. So I try to stay diligent in reading and watching news about new or continuing possible health threats to women. This can be challenging, but I've found it's best to be your own advocate and educator. The newest alert is related to Thyroid Cancer.

As an overall health threat, Thyroid Cancer is not usually considered high on anyone's list. However, it can be deadly and difficult to detect in the early stages. The most concerning statistic is that studies have shown a dramatic increase in the incidence of Thyroid Cancer in women - according to the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer (http://wcco.com/health/thyroid.cancer.women.2.272382.html). In fact, it's the fastest growing type of cancer in the United States.

Perhaps the most frustrating fact is that this was announced in 2006. It is now 2010 and still no one in the medical or scientific community seems to have a clue as to why this is happening. Unfortunately, women's health issues often do not get the attention they deserve. However, as this health issue reaches a more mainstream audience, more attention and advocacy is taking place.

Locally here in Rhode Island, a former employee of one of our television stations, Lisa Purcell, discovered in the fall of 2008 that she had Thyroid Cancer. Purcell went through the treatment, and is now a vocal advocate. (http://www2.turnto10.com/jar/lifestyles/health_med_fit/article/health_check_thyroid_cancer/30028/)

The symptoms can be vague. Purcell felt fatigued, but as a busy mom and career woman she brushed it aside. That is until her doctor discovered a lump in her neck. Purcell received the usual treatment of surgery plus radioactive iodine therapy. Purcell is fully recovered now but must stay on a maintenance medication. She works hard at being an advocate, raising awareness and funds for research.

After her experience, Purcell knew she wanted to take action and she discovered the Light of Life Foundation. She has teamed up with the Light of Life Foundation and The American Cancer Society to raise awareness and funds for research.

Unfortunately, as an additional concern, according to the American Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.org/docroot/nws/content/nws_1_1x_thyroid_cancer_and_breast_cancer_linked_in_women.asp?sitearea=NWS&viewmode=print&) women with Thyroid Cancer have a significant increase in the risk for Breast Cancer. Researchers do know that it is likely related to the radioactive iodine used in curing Thyroid Cancer. Data was taken from the National Cancer Institute's SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results) Database to assist with the study.

There is speculation that radiation from x-rays might be a contributing factor in Thyroid Cancer. I find that interesting and likely possible. I know that when I go to the dentist, I am covered with a heavy, thick, lead apron that covers all my vital parts. I do feel protected.

However, women have been screened from a relatively early age and yearly, with radiation (x-rays) - for breast cancer. Is any part of the woman's body protected during those x-rays? No. I have stood, for about the past 25 years, nearly naked, my breasts (first one then the other) squashed between two transparent plates, and x-rayed over and over without any kind of protection at all.

I would like to see an "apron" of some design developed to protect the rest of a woman's body, including her neck region, while she is undergoing breast x-rays. Meanwhile, please tell every woman you know to have her doctor check her neck for lumps on a routine visit. Do not be discouraged by a possible brush-off. It's your body and your health. Having the doctor check your neck is easy and non-invasive.