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At the recent meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology study results were presented that linked treatment for thyroid cancer with an increased risk for breast cancer. According to lead author of the study, Dr. Amy Chen of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, "Young women who had thyroid cancer first before the age of 40 have a statistically increased risk of getting breast cancer later in their lives."
Both thyroid and breast tissue concentrate iodine with the majority concentrated in the thyroid. It is suggested that since treatment for thyroid cancer usually consists of surgical removal followed by radioiodine therapy (RAI) that the RAI may also effect breast tissue. This does not explain the women who had breast cancer first and were then diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Treatment for breast cancer does not necessarily include radiation therapy. It is not clear from the reports what type of treatment was administered in these cases or the amount of RAI in question. There is no discussion about the use of the much smaller doses of RAI used to treat hyperthyroidism. The study included only women. If there is a direct link, would not men also be affected? They can also develop breast cancer. As always when considering medical treatment, weigh the risks versus the benefits. Of the cases reviewed only 612 or 2.65% of a possible 23,080 had both breast and thyroid cancer and of those only 252 or 1% had been first treated for thyroid cancer. Regardless of whether you have been treated with RAI, as a woman, you should perform regular breast self-examinations and consider routine mammograms to screen for breast cancer. The study did not identify a direct link, but it does open the door for further research. Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article Thyroid Cancer and Breast Cancer Linked in Thyroid Disease is owned by . Permission to republish Thyroid Cancer and Breast Cancer Linked in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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