Every year, when the National Cancer Institute (NCI) releases the latest cancer statistics, we hear the good news that many types of cancer -- breast, prostate, etc. -- are on the decline, except for one: thyroid cancer. It is estimated that 44,670 men and women (10,740 men and 33,930 women) will be diagnosed with and 1,690 men and women will die of cancer of the thyroid in 2010 [see
http://seer.cancer.gov/csr/]
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We may not know with 100% certainty what causes thyroid cancer today but we must learn how to identify and recognize the signs, symptons, genetic and environmental risk factors to discuss with our health care providers and look out for to preserve quality of life and in some cases indeed save lives because thyroid cancer is indeed on the rise and scientist don't know why. Thank You!
Some experts have dismissed the trend of increasing newly diagnosed cases of thyroid cancer in America today, suggesting that it's simply the result of better detection through increased use of sensitive ultrasound. Others believe that the incidence of thyroid cancer is truly on the increase. All in all, however, this alarming trend has been overlooked by American public health departments, community health organizations and community health education programs.
Sadly the general public is grossly misinformed or ignorant about the signs, symptoms, genetic and environmental risk factors commonly associated with thyroid cancer..
There are 4 predominant types of thyroid cancer (papillary, follicular, medullary and anaplastic) with a number of "variants" and rare types (insular) that affect our general population regardless of age, sex, racial of ethnic background. Women are 3 times more likely to develop thyroid cancer in their lifetime and there are a growing number of PEDIATRIC thyroid cancer cases reported each year in America.
Treatment, survival rates or prognosis is determined largely by the type of cancer and the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis although the vast majority of thyroid cancers are successfully treated with a 5 year survival rate. As with any and all cancers, early detection is the leading fundamentall difference between severe quality of life post treatment complications, life long health issues, life or death.
In light of the alarming trend and current statistics Stevie JoEllie's Cancer Care Fund is working to develop an access to care grant program to benefit thyroid cancer patients and survivors nationwide. More importantly we need your help and support in the fight to "Recognize Thyroid Cancer as a Public Health Care Issue" which must be part of a Public Health Education Campaign for Early Detections Self-Examination Screenings and recognition of the signs, symptoms, genetic and environmental risk factors associated with the condition for better communication between physicians, patients, and caregivers.
For More Informaiton about Stevie JoEllie's Cancer Care Fund please visit our website
http://www.sjccf.org
