September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month.Thyroid Cancer is the most common Endocrine Cancer. Thyroid Cancer is now the 6th most Common Cancer in Women and known to be much more PREVALENT in Women than Men. When diagnosed early most types of Thyroid Cancer have a very good prognosis.
Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association Encourages Women to Learn About Thyroid Cancer and to Ask Your Doctor for a Neck Check. This can be done very quickly.The message for Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month is “Find It Early”.
Early Detection is the Key! This Cancer is often overlooked, slow growing and is on the rise. The American Cancer Society estimates that Thyroid Cancer is expected to reach a new record of 44,670 people newly diagnosed (with 1,690 estimated deaths) in the United States in 2010. The 2009 totals were for 37,200 people newly diagnosed and 1,630 deaths.
When Detected Early, Most Thyroid Cancer is Treatable! In the early stages of thyroid cancer, many patients do not experience symptoms. As Thyroid Cancer develops, symptoms can include a lump or nodule in the front of the neck, hoarseness or difficulty speaking, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or a pain in the throat and neck area.Please visit the website to learn more… thyca.org
I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer four years ago. My thyroid was removed and the surgeon told me most of my thyroid was diseased. My thyroid cancer required Radioactive Iodine Treatment which was administered by a Radiation Oncologist. Every six months I see my Endocrinologist and have a combination of blood tests, physical examination, and or thyroid ultrasound, Pet scan, CAT scan, lung scan and radio-iodine whole body scan. My Thyroid Cancer was detected in a routine gynecology appointment. So, please make sure either your physician or gynecologist CHECKS YOUR NECK.
Here’s hoping all my favorite Fashionista’s will pass this very important information on to your family and friends. xo, Betsy
I'm so glad you posted this, Betsy. Too many women haven't heard about this problem and may not even know where their thyroid gland is located (base of the neck). I, too, had problems with my thyroid and luckily, my facialist picked-up the problem. Thanks to her, I saw my Dr. right away and had surgery to remove half of my thyroid. Luckily, no cancer as they first thought. Ladies, get it checked, PLEASE!
Thank you for sharing your story. You're a super strong women & an imspiration!
xo
~Elle
Thank you both so much for support and comments! Early detection is the key!