Truth or myth? Thyroid cancer is a “good cancer.”

 

Answer: Myth. There is no such thing as a “good cancer.” The truth is all cancers can have a significant impact on a person’s life.

Surprised? Don’t be. Unfortunately many thyroid cancer patients are told that it is a good cancer.  The danger lies in those living with the disease believing those words, resulting in not taking proper heed to their health.

.

. . 

Here Is The Truth about Thyroid Cancer:

 

• People who are diagnosed with thyroid cancer are often told if you are going to get cancer, thyroid cancer is the one to have.

• Since thyroid cancer often requires surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid, many patients must take daily hormone replacement medication for the rest of their lives.

• Because most thyroid cancers grow slowly and can recur even 10 to 20 years after initial treatment, follow-up care is needed to check for cancer recurrence or spread, as well as for monitoring/management of possible side effects of certain treatments. Because thyroid cancer can recur decades later, this care can continue for a lifetime and can be associated with anxiety.

• Some patients experience negative impacts on their relationships and challenges at school and work related to fatigue, difficulties concentrating, weight gain, memory loss, migraines and depression.Both long-term and short-term complications can occur as a result of treatment, some of these include nausea, vomiting, pain, loss of taste, voice weakness, excessive tearing from blocked tear ducts, and blocked salivary ducts, which lead to dry mouth and dental issues, including tooth loss.

.

The Light of Life Foundation, ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc., and Eisai Inc. have joined together to help dispel the myth that thyroid cancer is the “good cancer” and shine a light on the truths about the life-changing realities of the disease through the Myths and Truths About Thyroid Cancer campaign.

The campaign includes an interactive #TruthAboutTC social challenge, asking people to post a photo on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the hashtag #TruthAboutTC and tag friends to participate. For each post, Eisai will donate $1 up to a total of $50,000 to the Light of Life Foundation and ThyCa. Thyroid cancer patients can help further raise awareness by also sharing a “truth” about their thyroid cancer experience in their #TruthAboutTC posts.

Marcia S. Brose, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Otorhinolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and thyroid cancer patient Victoria Ballesteros joined me to discuss the life-long impact of thyroid cancer and the #TruthAboutTC Challenge.

.

Take a look at the interview below.

.

.

To learn more about thyroid cancer and how to support the Myths and Truths About Thyroid Cancer initiative, visit: www.thyca.org or www.lightoflifefoundation.org.

thyroid cancer