RED FLAG THIS!

THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY FAILS TO DEMAND THYROID TESTING FOR WOMEN OF CHILD BEARING AGE     http://americancancersociety.org

Upon further investigation, I found research studies that proved a connection exists between those women who get thyroid nodules during pregnancy with some who go on to get thyroid cancer.  Additionally, in another research study, children and adults can get thyroid cancer without having previous symptoms of a thyroid problem (hypothyroidism - low levels) or (hyperthyroidism - high levels) and that testing for heredity factors with administration of certain medicine will promote prevention. With these two factors noted here, and I am sure there are many more to find, the American Cancer Society simply must change their classifications for realigning their thyroid screening age requirements. 

Most medical-oriented web sites also show that they are following suit with the ACS guidelines for thyroid screening - ultimately placing more medical consumers at risk for falling through the medical gaps regarding prevention.  9/17/05

The present American Cancer Society,ACS, recommendations for thyroid testing is listed for women age 35 and older - and lists testing to be done every five years thereafter. 

The ACS leaves pregnant women and new mothers out of the recommended thyroid testing guidelines.  This is not prudent, wise nor affective cancer preventing protocol in light of past studies done with pregnant women who had nodules appear on their thyroid during pregnancy - and went on to have thyroid cancer!

OTHER "PROS", DOCTORS, MEDICAL GROUPS, ORGANIZATIONS - USE ACS TESTING GUIDELINES

The ACS testing guidelines are also followed by other esteemed medical groups, doctors and many other medical organizations.

Do we need to change the ACS policy first?  You bet we do.  Please email/write the ACS today and request that they include thyroid testing for women of child-bearing age. If prevention is the window, we must first get through the door with a key! 

It is in the best interests of all medical consumers to demand thyroid screening as part of a regular yearly check-up. Thyroid testing is not always one of the scheduled tests done by doctors when ruline o ut a physical problem. So, do not assume that thyroid testing is done when you have blood tests; to assume so will only jeopardize your overall health. 

CORRESPONDENCE WITH ACS

While attending a ACS funded function as a result of being a breast cancer survivor - I spoke with a manager connected with our Capitol Region ACS office regarding the possibility of changing the age requirement for women to have thyroid screening. It is presently set at age 35 and five years thereafter. To date, (9/24/05), I have received no reply.

I emailed the ACS months ago and received a simple "we'll check into it" reply.  Recently, I resent the original email with a post note and sent email copies to my peri-natal/postpartum depression prevention advocates.

(I did receive another reply from the ACS: in essence, the ACS is saying that the ACS only works within the realm of cancer intervention, early detection, diagnosis,

diagnosis and prevention of cancers.) 

If this were entirely true, they would know about the research already published on pregnant women who have had thyroid cancer. I am sure that not all of them were age 35 and older!

I ask you to also write  and phone the American Cancer Society with your concerns as well, especially with the ACS's thyroid testing oversight.  If someone gets a reply from the ACS, please let me know.  Thanks!