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Press Release: In Wake Of Rod Stewart's Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis, Doctor Group Issues Call To Action To Increase Screening |
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American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Says Simple Self-Exam Helps Detect Problem
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Join the Discussion
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"10 dollars says he doesn't know anything about it himself. He probably just goes to the doctor and does as he's told. To be honest, I wasn't expecting anything enlightening for the public regarding him and thyroid cancer. He's a rock star and I'm not surprised that's what they focused on."
Enike
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SOURCE: American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Musician Rod Stewart recently announced that he is battling thyroid cancer.
He is not alone. 16,000-17,000 cases of
thyroid cancer are diagnosed every year in the U.S. -- just as many as
cervical cancer - yet millions of Americans remain undiagnosed.
To underscore
the importance of early detection, the American Association of Clinical
Endocrinologists (AACE) is encouraging Americans to perform a simple self-exam.
Called the ``Thyroid Neck Check,'' Americans can screen themselves
by simply checking for bumps or enlargements in the neck.
Steps follow.
THYROID NECK CHECK
Thirty million Americans have some growth or nodule on the thyroid gland.
Just last year, Tipper Gore found a non-cancerous thyroid nodule.
To detect a
thyroid abnormality early, follow these easy steps:
- Stand In Front Of Mirror
- Stretch Neck Back
- Swallow Water
- Look for Enlargement in Neck
- (below the Adam's Apple, above the collar bone)
- Feel Area to Confirm Enlargement or Bump
- If A Problem Detected, See An Endocrinologist or Primary Physician
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
To view a full version of ``The Neck Check,'' or receive additional
information about the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
(AACE), visit the association's web site:
http://www.aace.com.
THYROID CANCER FACTS
- Strikes Just As Many People As Cervical & Liver Cancer
- 30,000,000 Suspected of Having Benign or Cancerous Thyroid Gland Nodules
- 3,000,000 Suspected of Having Thyroid Cancer, Thousands of Unknown
Victims
- Less Than 17,000 People in U.S. Diagnosed & Treated for Thyroid Cancer
Per Year
- Currently, There are 200,000 Thyroid Cancer Patients in the U.S.
- Often Goes Undetected Because Patients Do Not Experience Any Symptoms
- Potential Cancer Signs:
Nodules or Bumps on Gland or Enlargement of
Thyroid Gland
- 10-15 million Americans Have Nodules That May Be a Sign of a Thyroid
Disorder
- Cured by Surgical Removal of Gland or Radioactive-Iodine Treatments If
Cancer is Discovered
- Non-Functioning or Surgically Removed Gland Treated with Synthetic
Hormone Levothyroxine
- Afflicts Mostly Women Age 25 - 65
- Men Who Have Nodules 3X More Likely to Have Cancer
- Fine-Needle Tissue Biopsy of Nodule is ``Gold Standard Test'' Recommended
by AACE
- Cancer Prevalent in People Exposed to Head/Neck Radiation Prior to 1950
- Thyroid is Butterfly-Shaped Gland Located in Front of Lower Neck Area
- Thyroid Provides Hormones Regulating All Vital Organs
- If Untreated, Cancer Grows to Other Areas of Body
- If Detected Early, High Treatment Success Rate
FROM YOUR ABOUT GUIDE
SPECIAL HELP BY PHONE!
If you would like to hear Mary Shomon explain by telephone the process of how to perform a thyroid self-check, you can listen to a short, 2-minute recorded presentation on your phone, using Keen.com. To find out more, click here.
YOU CAN STAY INFORMED ON THE LATEST THYROID DISEASE INFORMATION
Whether it's a free email newsletter or report about thyroid disease, the latest books that help you live well with your thyroid condition, or support and information from fellow thyroid patients, you'll find a variety of resources here at the About Thyroid site.
- Thyroid F.Y.I. My Weekly "About Thyroid Disease" Newsletter covers new developments in the world of thyroid disease, with free updates on new features and new information here at the website. It's the best way to keep up with the About thyroid site. Subscribe at the About Thyroid
Site Newsletter Signup page or right here,
- About.com Thyroid Bookstore -- Books that will help you live well with and triumph over thyroid disease.
- Free Monthly Thyroid Disease News Report -- Free monthly report reporting on latest information on thyroid disease, as well as conventional and alternative domestic and world news related to thyroid disease.
- Thyroid Forums -- Places for Support, Empowerment, and Information. The boards include:
Here are some of the latest discussions at the main Thyroid Disease Forum/Bulletin Board. Jump into the conversations now!
