36: 1 in 3 People Die With Thyroid Cancer — Not From with Dr. Seth Landefeld from UAB

36: 1 in 3 People Die With Thyroid Cancer — Not From with Dr. Seth Landefeld from UAB

Author: Philip James interviews top thyroid experts about surgery, nutrition, endoc February 25, 2021 Duration: 23:10

The USPSTF upholds its 1996 recommendation against screening for thyroid cancer among asymptomatic adults.

The USPSTF commissioned the systematic review due to the rising incidence of thyroid cancers against a background of stable mortality, which is suggestive of over-treatment. And in view of the results, the task force concluded with "moderate certainty" that the harms outweigh the benefits of screening.

The USPSTF emphasizes, however, that this recommendation pertains only to the general asymptomatic adult population, and not to individuals who present with throat symptoms, lumps or swelling, or those at high risk for thyroid cancer.

A global problem

The over-diagnosis of thyroid cancer is worldwide.  

South Korean doctors treated these newly diagnosed thyroid cancers by completely removing the thyroid—a thyroidectomy. People who undergo these surgeries require thyroid replacement hormones for the rest of their lives. And adjusting the dose can be difficult. Patients suffer from too much thyroid replacement hormone (sweating, heart palpitations, and weight loss) or too little (sleepiness, depression, constipation, and weight gain). Worse, because of nerves that travel close to the thyroid, some patients suffer vocal-cord paralysis, which affects speech.

Over-diagnosis and over-treatment of thyroid cancer hasn't been limited to South Korea. In France, Italy, Croatia, Israel, China, Australia, Canada, and the Czech Republic, the rates of thyroid cancer have more than doubled. In the United States, they've tripled. In all of these countries, as had been the case in South Korea, the incidence of death from thyroid cancer has remained the same.

1 in 3 people die with thyroid cancer, not of.

NOTES

As heard on NPR

Dr. Seth Landefeld

American Thyroid Association

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Navigating thyroid health often feels like piecing together a complex puzzle where medical advice, personal experience, and daily well-being intersect. Doctor Thyroid is a space dedicated to that intricate journey, hosted by Philip James. This podcast moves beyond basic explanations to explore the nuanced realities of thyroid conditions, from surgery and radiology to the pivotal roles of nutrition and functional medicine. Philip facilitates conversations with a carefully selected roster of endocrinologists, surgeons, and other top clinical experts, ensuring the dialogue is both authoritative and deeply practical. You’ll also hear from individuals who have personally navigated setbacks and discovered paths to improved health, offering a grounded, relatable perspective. The aim is to provide listeners with a comprehensive toolkit of information-not just the clinical facts, but the applied strategies for enhancing day-to-day life. Whether you’re seeking to understand a new diagnosis, evaluate treatment options, or simply find community in shared experiences, this series offers a thoughtful resource. Tune in for a candid exploration of thyroid care that respects the intelligence of the patient and the expertise of the professionals guiding them.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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