Thyroid cancer survivors may experience recurring health problems Recent survey of thyroid cancer survivors finds patients generally report good long-term health, but may still have lasting medical problems. By Jay Lewis Staff Writer HOUSTON – Thyroid cancer survivors typically recover successfully from the cancer, with no signs of relapse, but may experience lasting medical problems. This was the result of a recent study involving a survey of 518 thyroid cancer survivors. The study, led by Pamela Schultz, PhD, program director of the department of endocrine neoplasia and hormonal disorders at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, also found that almost two-thirds of thyroid cancer survivors reported a variety of health troubles, including neurological, musculoskeletal and psychological problems. However, according to the researchers, age and the passage of time appeared to affect the survivors’ perceived impact of their cancer experience on their overall health. Schultz and her team became interested in studying the long-term health of thyroid cancer survivors because few researchers have examined the survivors’ overall medical and social well-being, although there have been many studies examining the long-term outcome of thyroid cancer survivors with respect to a recurrence of thyroid cancer. “We believe the study to be important because, traditionally, thyroid cancer survivors are considered cured and therefore, become a forgotten segment of the cancer survivor population,” Schultz told Hem/Onc Today, noting that her report focused on discovering the lasting impacts, if any, on the overall health of thyroid cancer survivors. “Thyroid cancer survivors usually have a long, sometimes normal life span. But other medical or social problems resulting from the disease become chronic health concerns with potential — yet undefined — impact on the survivors well being,” said Schultz. Schultz and her team surveyed 518 thyroid cancer survivors. All of the people surveyed had undergone surgery and 417 of them had undergone radiation. In all, 64.5% of the patients reported that the cancer had created some negative health effects. Memory loss and psychological problems were also reported in greater frequency than among the general population. Also, 24.5% of the patients had symptoms of thyroid hormone imbalance. Many patients also reported symptoms of thyroid dysregulation. However, the majority of patients in the survey described their overall long-term health as good. Regarding family and work, most patients said they had integrated into society well. “The present report indicates that thyroid cancer survivors believe that their disease experience results in lasting health effects that are generally undesirable,” said Schultz. “These problems involve a number of organ systems, are distinct from problems of other cancer survivors and include symptoms of thyroid dysregulation. While mortality is generally very low, it is apparent from this review that morbidity may be significantly more pronounced than generally appreciated.” Schultz added that the overall quality of life reported by these patients often varied with age and passage of time. She said more research was still needed to understand the extent and manner with which thyroid cancer and its treatment contributes to the health profile of this group of patients. “The relatively prominent complaints of psychological problems, memory loss and migraine headaches are difficult to explain,” she said. “Memory loss is often thought to accompany old age or to follow extensive cranial irradiation or intensive chemotherapy, neither of which applies to this group of patients. Hypothyroidism, even in mild form, is clearly associated with neurocognitive dysfunction including memory loss and depression. Although we do not have specific information about the thyroid replacement of this group of thyroid cancer survivors, they are likely to have regular surveillance of thyroid function and it is difficult to imagine that pronounced thyroid imbalance persists long-term.” This study is one of several that has grown out of the research component of the Life After Cancer Care Program at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. This program was conceived and begun three to four years ago by Rena Vassilopoulou-Sellin, MD, professor of medicine and medical director of LACC. For more information: Schultz P, Stava C, V-Sellin R. Health profiles and quality of life of 518 survivors of thyroid cancer. Presented at the 74th annual meeting of the American Thyroid Association. Oct. 10-13, 2002. Los Angeles. Thanks to: Hem/Onc News, 4/03 Brit J Cancer, 11/03 Clinical Oncology, 2/07 J Am Coll Surg, October 2007 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.