New Delhi: Thyroid cancer is no more an uncommon form of cancer. With spike in its incidence over few years, it is all set to be in top three of cancer chart in the country. But the good thing about this cancer is, it is completely curable if detected early. According to the experts, it is no threat to life in majority of thyroid cancers.
But lack of awareness about thyro cancer is a concern. To address that concern, BCPBF – the Cancer Foundation held a symposium on “Best Practices Treatment of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer in India – THYCAN 2018” in collaboration with the specialist doctors of Indraprastha Apollo Hospital.
The program was held at Hotel Pullman, Aerocity, with participation of eminent surgical and medical oncologists, head and neck surgeons, nuclear medicine experts and endocrinologists from all over the country.
“In case of thyroid cancer especially, there is very little awareness in the country. Like all other types of cancers, we can control fatality from thyroid cancer too by making people aware of its symptoms and through early diagnosis,” said Dr. Sameer Kaul, Senior Surgical Oncologist and Robotics, Apollo Cancer Institute, New Delhi.
According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the incidence of thyroid cancer in India amongst all cancers is only 0.1% to 0.2% in the country. “Even then thyroid cancer is considered as a curable form of cancer following right prognosis and treatment, “added Dr Kaul.
Breast Cancer Patients Benefit Foundation or BCPBF is an equal opportunity support organization, which comprises of well-known medical professionals, financial experts, entrepreneurs, gutsy survivors and philanthropic members of the community. Dr. Sameer Kaul is also the Chairman of BCPBF.
Speaking about the treatment procedures and early diagnosis of cancer, Dr. Kaul said, “Today it is easy to predict the causes of various types of cancers including thyroid cancer. Early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment and survival.”
Some of the methods of early diagnosis and self-care methods explained by him included, family history – which increases the risk significantly, over exposure to radiation – such as exposure to radiation for medical purpose in childhood, hepatitis – C and late pregnancy.
The treatment of thyroid cancer includes surgery of the thyroid gland, where doctors remove the malignant part of the thyroid and other infected organs. Radioactive Iodine and Thyroid Hormone treatments are also undertaken in case of requirement, following the surgery to ensure a complete cure from the disease.
He also stressed upon creating a wider understanding about cancer in the society and its curability. “Every year around three million people are diagnosed with cancer in India and out of that more than five lakh people die. The number of cancer-survivors is also increasing but we have a long way to go and in order to overcome this disease we must have a better understanding at the societal level,” he said.
