The Big Thyroid Guard Question

A recent episode of Dr. Oz was all about the risks of thyroid cancer.  One warning given during the show was that doctors rarely use thyroid guards during mammograms and dental x-rays, leaving patients at risk of exposing their thyroid to radiation and potentially increasing their chances for thyroid cancer.  According to the show, thyroid guards are readily available during these procedures, but are rarely used.  The seriousness of this topic caused a lot of confusion and fear among many patients, even causing some to cancel mammograms because of it.  So we did a little research to see what the real story is.

According to the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging, the concerns about mammograms significantly increasing the likelihood of developing thyroid cancer are “simply not supported in scientific literature.”  It seems that the amount of radiation that reaches the thyroid during a mammogram is equal to the amount you would receive from natural “background sources” from standing outside for 30 minutes.  Overall, the lifetime risk of developing cancer from the tiny amount of radiation scattered to the thyroid is less than one in 17.1 million.  Further, the tiny risk should be balanced against the much greater risk of a thyroid guard not fitting properly and partially blocking breast imaging or interfering with mammogram results and possible diagnosis.  Therefore, the ACR and SBI don’t recommend using a thyroid guard during a mammogram. If you are still worried, definitely have a conversation with your doctor about the pros and cons to make an individual decision with your own healthcare professional.

As for dental x-rays, the thyroid is located much closer to the jaw – right behind it, in fact.  A full dental panel also requires many more images than a mammogram and potentially more radiation exposure.  It is also possible that in order to capture certain necessary angles, the x-rays may be pointed directly at the thyroid.   With those facts in mind, a thyroid guard for dental x-rays makes more sense.  Again, as with any medical decisions, you should have a conversation with your own doctor about the risks facing you during any x-rays, and feel free to request the thyroid guard as you see fit.

At Gilda’s Club Chicago, we strive to keep our members informed and encourage open discussions on all topics pertaining to your health. 

Member Profile: Haya

Gilda’s Club gave me back my self-confidence, my self-respect, taught me how to look good again and how to feel good about myself. This Club saved me.  I’m saying it with the greatest  conviction. I don’t have family in this country. I’m not the type of person to lean on others. But you can’t do this alone.

After my surgery, a friend gave me a flyer on Gilda’s Club’s support groups. I took to my group like a fish to water. They have embraced me. I could not have made it without their support. I have loved every minute in Gilda’s Club, from the minute I entered the first time through the red door. It has been wonderful. The resource library and the excellent lectures on cancer have taught me a great deal. It’s more than education- it’s an insight into cancer. It helps you adjust to life with cancer. You can put your arms around it and look it square in the eye.

Gilda’s Club is a home. A home away from home. I don’t know how I would have gone through this without Gilda’s Club Chicago.

Happy New Year!!

Welcome back to Gilda’s Blah Blah Blog! We had tons of fun during the holidays and are looking forward to an exciting 2012.

2011 gave us much to celebrate. Members are always our biggest priority, so we’re thrilled to announce an amazing increase in new members – both at the Clubhouse and at hospital sites. A BIG welcome to our new friends!

As our efforts to reach as many people as possible continue, we were able to connect with more area hospitals to expand our program; most notably at the University of Illinois at Chicago Cancer Center and Advocate Christ Medical Center.

We had a record-breaking year in other ways as well: fundraising, Teen Essay submissions, Noogieland and summer camp program attendance, to name just a few.

We’ve set some incredible goals for 2012. Keep up-to-date on all of the happenings at the Clubhouse and hospital sites through our blog, Facebook, and Twitter. For more information, visit our website at www.gildasclubchicago.org.

“Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next.” - Gilda Radner