ThyCa NEWS NOTES – August 2011

In This Issue:

Memorial Tribute to Ric Blake, ThyCa Co-Founder

We are saddened to share the news that Ric Blake, ThyCa Co-Founder, passed away in August, after a 16-year battle with follicular thyroid cancer. Ric made major contributions to ThyCa’s founding and ongoing services, including the support groups and the conferences. He gave one-to-one support and encouragement to countless people coping with thyroid cancer. He was a wonderful friend to thyroid cancer survivors around the world.

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September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, Worldwide

Help promote early detection of thyroid cancer, as well as treatment and monitoring according to expert guidelines, research for cures for all thyroid cancer, and opportunities for everyone affected by thyroid cancer to benefit from the services, resources, and events of ThyCa.

You’re invited to partner with ThyCa in this important observance. Get tips on what you can do, plus free handouts, and more on our website.

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More Conference Speakers Confirmed

Latest updates and registration are here.

Our distinguished speakers include more than 30 medical professionals from major centers around the U.S., plus mental health professionals, attorneys, and specialists in complementary approaches to well-being.

We’re excited about the tremendous lineup of distinguished professionals coming. We plan to have more than 60 speakers and more than 100 session choices. For an idea of the range of topics and the timetable, you’ll find last year’s program on our web site, if you scroll down the Conference page, to last year’s conference.

Advance Registration is open, online or by mail. People have already registered from around the U.S. and Canada. If you’re not able to register in advance, you may register onsite at the conference, as a walk-in attendee.

Reserve Your Hotel Room at the special $99 rate if reserved by the hotel’s discount deadline, September 30th. After that date, rooms will be available at the hotel’s regular rates.

We hope to see you in Los Angeles, October 14 – 16, 2011, at the 14th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference.

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Guestbook Is Free

Sign up for our Free Newsletter, or update your contact information (mailing address, e-mail address, etc.

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Free Seminars in Five States and DC in September, Plus Numerous Support Group Meetings

Throughout the month, free ThyCa in-person support groups meet in numerous communities. Find the group nearest to you on this page, which links to all the group web pages: www.thyca.org/sg/

Free educational events with guest speakers:

  • Saturday, September 10, 2011. Free Seminar in Fresno, California. Free Seminar on Saturday, September 10 in Fresno, California, with Physician Speakers. Thank you, Anjali Kapoor-Davis and Miriam Delfin, ThyCa Fresno Support Group Facilitators, for organizing and hosting this wonderful opportunity to learn from experts and meet others coping with thyroid cancer.
  • Saturday, September 17, 2011. Denver (Aurora), Colorado. Free Thyroid Cancer Patient Education Program from 7:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. The program is sponsored by the University of Colorado School of Medicine, in cooperation with ThyCa, and the ATA. Speakers include five physicians.
  • Thursday Evening, September 22, 2011. Hollywood, Florida. Free Thyroid Cancer Question and Answer Program starting at 6:30 p.m., with R. Mack Harrell, M.D., Endocrinologist and Thyroidologist, and David Bimston, M.D., Oncology and Thyroid Surgeon. This Salute to Thyroid Cancer Survivors and Caregivers is presented in honor of Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month. Location: Memorial Hospital South, 3600 Washington Street, Hollywood, Florida. Appetizers, beverages, and desserts served. Contact: Christine Ciletti, ThyCa South Florida Support Group Co-Facilitator, at South-FL@thyca.org.
  • Friday, September 23, 2011. Washington, DC. Free Cancer Legal Rights Conference, with information about the most common cancer-related legal issues. At Georgetown University Law Center. Sponsored by the Cancer Legal Resource Center. ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association is partnering in supporting this conference. For information visit cancerrightsconference.org.
  • Wednesday, September 28, 2011. Waterbury, Connecticut. “My thyroid cancer is gone…now what?” — You’re invited to this free seminar from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. with physician speaker Elizabeth Holt, M.D.,Ph.D., Endocrinologist, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Yale School of Medicine; Staff Member in Yale Medical Group. Location: Harold Leever Cancer Center, Ground Floor Conference Center, at 10075 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT. In honor of Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month. Details and registration at www.leevercancercenter.org/content/101/default.aspx. Pre-registration requested by phone: 203.575.5544; fax: 203.575.5562;or e-mail: dparkinson@leevercancercenter.org.Click here for information about the meetings of the ThyCa Waterbury, Connecticut, Support group. This event is in honor of Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month.
  • Saturday, October 1, 2011. Osage Beach, Missouri. Free Thyroid Awareness Event on varied thyroid conditions, including thyroid cancer and hypothyroidism. Speakers, resources, and neck checks. 10 a.m. to Noon. Location: Lake Regional Hospital, Third Floor Conference Area, 54 Hospital Drive, Osage Beach, Missouri. Organized and hosted by ThyCa Central Missouri Support Group. Contact Sandy Triplett, Co-Facilitator, at 573-345-0103 or Central-MO@thyca.org.

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Free Patient Information Packets

We will be happy to mail you a free packet of educational materials.

To request a free packet for yourself, please go to our Guestbok), fill out the Guestbook form, and click on Yes in the line that says “Please send me a patient information packet” near the bottom of the address form.

To request a free packet for someone else, please e-mail the person’s name and complete mailing address to thyca@thyca.org.

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Neck Checks—More Letters Respond to Time Magazine Article

An article about cancer screening in Time Magazine’s June 13, 2011 issue said that there should “probably not” be regular screening for thyroid nodules such as by getting neck checks at routine medical appointments. It said that, “Guidelines are ‘under review’ but aren’t a top priority because the mortality rate is so low” and that “a 1996 guideline advised against screening.”

ThyCa immediately sent letters to Time. We will post more letters on www.thyca.org. Please add your voice. Send your letters on this topic to publications@thyca.org.

In the July newsletter, we published two letters. Here are two more:

From Judy S.: “A routine neck exam following the birth of my second child picked up an enlarged thyroid. Careful yearly follow-up resulted in a change being noted several years later and the removal of one thyroid lobe with negative frozen section. Unfortunately, I had to return for completion surgery following a diagnosis of papillary carcinoma. Sixteen years later I believe I am cancer free because of that early detection; therefore, I disagree with Time magazine’s recommendation that neck checks not be part of a routine exam.”

From Joyce L.: “I have had thyroid cancer three times now – 1978, 1999 and 2001 – this is papillary thyroid cancer, most likely caused from radiation treatments in the 1960s and 1970s for acne…. YES, physicians must do neck checks for thyroid cancer nodules. That is how my thyroid cancer was found – again – after 20 years with no sign of it. The physician who checked my neck in 1978 found the first nodule; he checked during a routine physical…. With or without the exposure to radiation that I had, this exam is vital. I can’t believe that such a routine part of a physical exam would be eliminated because the ‘survival rate is so high’ for thyroid cancer. I think all of us who have survived thyroid cancer are the best research to consider…since we have had these examinations and now survive…”

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Follow ThyCa on Facebook and Twitter

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Six Free Webinars Available on www.thyca.org
Watch/Listen Anytime

We’re pleased to invite you to watch and listen any time, from wherever you are, to our Six Free Archived Thyroid Cancer Webinars with Thyroid Cancer Expert Speakers, sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. Details areon our website, together with information on how to listen. Topics include: Papillary and Differentiated Thyroid Cancer – Primer and Persistent Disease, Medullary Thyroid Cancer – Primer and Persistent Disease, Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer, and Pediatric Thyroid Cancer. Watch and listen to these free webinars as many times as you like.

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Have You Visited Our Web Site Lately?

We’re excited to report that the www.thyca.org web site receives more nthan 400,000 visits per month —more than 12,000 each day.

Almost every day our volunteer webmasters make new additions or updates.

A great place to start reading is the Newly Diagnosed section.

Here, you’ll find lots of topics to choose from. You’ll learn the basics about each type of thyroid cancer, with details about diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up, and links to further guidelines and resources. There’s also the free downloadable booklet, Thyroid Cancer Basics.

On www.thyca.org, more than 650 web pages provide extensive information about all types of thyroid cancer, connections to a broad range of free support services and events, and details about awareness campaigns, as well as fundraising for thyroid cancer research.

Free downloadable publications include the Free Low-Iodine Cookbook in English, Spanish, and French, plus dozens of other publications. A Chinese language translation will be posted soon.

Thank you very much to the more than 50 thyroid cancer specialists who provide input and expertise, to Betty Solbjor and Joel Amromin, our webmasters, and to the many dozens of volunteers on ThyCa’s Publications and Web Site Teams.

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Low-Iodine Recipe of the Month
Contributed by Bridget Corcoran of Illinois

Bridget’s Best Brownie Bites (version 6)

1¼ Cup Sugar
¼ + 1/8 Cup canola oil
2 teaspoons canola oil (replacement for egg yolks)
4 egg whites
2 teaspoons. Vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon Non-iodized Kosher salt (finely ground)
½ teaspoonsBaking powder
½ Cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
½ Cup All-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare mini muffin tins with Pam.

Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt into a large bowl, set aside. Mix sugar, oil, egg whites and vanilla extract, let sit for 5-10 minutes. Combine wet mixture with dry and stir until fully incorporated. Using a #60/ 2 tsp. scoop, fill mini muffin tins and bake for approximately 10- 12 minutes.

Recipe makes approximately 40 brownie bites.

Editor’s Note: Thank you, Bridget, for contributing your tasty recipe and many others. We will include your recipes in the next edition of ThyCa’s FREE Downloadable Low-Iodine Cookbook.

Free and Downloadable

Download the 7th edition of the Low-Iodine Cookbook in English for free, with more than 340 favorite recipes from more than 150 generous volunteers.

The Cookbook is also available in:

  • Spanish and
  • French

Please remember, while you’re welcome to download and print the entire free low-iodine cookbook, you can also print just the pages you need.

This free cookbook is a wonderful help when you’re preparing to receive radioactive iodine for treatment or testing. All the recipes are favorites of some of our ThyCa volunteers, who are sharing them with everyone, to make the low-iodine diet easy and tasty. The recipes are also great for family meals and for potlucks, any time.

If you’d like to contribute your favorite recipe or tip, send it to recipes@thyca.org.

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Join Us, Become a Member

Help us sustain, strengthen, and extend our services. We invite you to become a member of ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.

Your membership dues will support ThyCa’s efforts to reach and serve other survivors and their families around the world. Members receive our quarterly Membership Messenger newsletter.

Membership is open to everyone worldwide. You may become a 1-year ThyCa member ($25), 2-year member ($45), or lifetime member ($225). Click here for our online Membership Form and our mailed Membership Form.

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Support the Rally for Research

Thanks to generous contributions and special fundraising events, ThyCa has awarded new thyroid cancer research grants every year starting in 2003. These grants support our goal of cures for all thyroid cancer and a future free of thyroid cancer. We have again awarded new research grants in 2011.

You’re invited to help support the Rally for Research. For details about the Rally for Research, donation opportunities, special events, Quarters for a Cure, and information about ThyCa’s past and future Research Grants, visit the Rally for Research page.

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Every Day

Every day, thousands of people with thyroid cancer, and their families, receive support, education, and hope from ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. Your generous support is what makes it possible to sustain, strengthen, and expand our services and outreach.

It only takes a minute to make a donation online in support of ThyCa’s work (or you are welcome to donate by mail to ThyCa, P.O. Box 964, Chesterfield, MO 63006-0964), so click here to give.

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About ThyCa NEWS NOTES
Copyright (c) 2011 ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.

Please share ThyCa News Notes with your family and friends. For permission to reprint in another electronic or print publication, please contact us at publications@thyca.org.

The information in this newsletter is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended, nor should it be interpreted, as medical advice or directions of any kind. Readers are advised to consult their own medical doctor(s) for all matters involving their health and medical care.

Your suggestions for articles are welcome. The deadline for articles and news items is the first day of each month.

Thank you to our writing, editing, and proofreading team for this issue: Dana Fusco, Leah Guljord, Pat Paillard, Barbara Status, Cherry Wunderlich, and Gary Bloom.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a national non- profit 501(c)(3) organization (tax ID #52-2169434) of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals. Contact us for free awareness materials and information about our free services and special events. E-mail to thyca@thyca.org, call toll-free at 1-877-588-7904, fax 1-630-604-6078, write PO Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102, or visit our webiste.

ThyCa (www.thyca.org) Urges Early Detection Through Neck Checks

In 2011, Thyroid cancer is expected to set a new record of 48,020 people newly diagnosed (with 1,740 deaths) in the United States, reports the nonprofit ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association (www.thyca.org), based on information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Cancer Society. In 2010, the totals were 44,670 people newly diagnosed and there were 1,690 deaths.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association urges everyone to learn about thyroid cancer and ask for a neck check at doctor’s appointments. Thyroid cancer affects people in all age groups from children through seniors. It is the fastest increasing cancer in both men and women.

“Thyroid cancer is usually treatable when found early, so early detection is a key, and lifelong follow-up is just as important,” said ThyCa Executive Gary Bloom, a thyroid cancer survivor. “Many thyroid cancer survivors first become aware that they may have cancer when they notice a nodule on their lower neck. Others notice changes in their voice or breathing or swallowing. While most thyroid nodules are benign, we want everyone with thyroid cancer to benefit from early detection and treatment.”

“Medical professionals are also essential to the detection of thyroid cancer,” continued Bloom. “A neck check can be as simple as touching the neck or watching the patient swallow. This can be done very quickly, but those few seconds could make all the difference when it comes to thyroid cancer. Most thyroid cancer is treatable, but some thyroid cancers are aggressive and difficult to treat.”

Free downloadable flyers, tools, and tips are available at www.thyca.org, and free materials are available from ThyCa by mail. ThyCa invites you to partner with ThyCa in Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, a worldwide observance that ThyCa sponsors each September, and to become involved in year-round awareness campaigns.

In This Issue:

Thyroid Cancer Diagnoses Predicted To Set New Record in 2011
ThyCa Urges Early Detection Through Neck Checks

In 2011, Thyroid cancer is expected to set a new record of 48,020 people newly diagnosed (with 1,740 deaths) in the United States, reports the nonprofit ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association (www.thyca.org), based on information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Cancer Society. In 2010, the totals were 44,670 people newly diagnosed and there were 1,690 deaths.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association urges everyone to learn about thyroid cancer and ask for a neck check at doctor’s appointments. Thyroid cancer affects people in all age groups from children through seniors. It is the fastest increasing cancer in both men and women.

“Thyroid cancer is usually treatable when found early, so early detection is a key, and lifelong follow-up is just as important,” said ThyCa Executive Gary Bloom, a thyroid cancer survivor. “Many thyroid cancer survivors first become aware that they may have cancer when they notice a nodule on their lower neck. Others notice changes in their voice or breathing or swallowing. While most thyroid nodules are benign, we want everyone with thyroid cancer to benefit from early detection and treatment.”

“Medical professionals are also essential to the detection of thyroid cancer,” continued Bloom. “A neck check can be as simple as touching the neck or watching the patient swallow. This can be done very quickly, but those few seconds could make all the difference when it comes to thyroid cancer. Most thyroid cancer is treatable, but some thyroid cancers are aggressive and difficult to treat.”

Free downloadable flyers, tools, and tips are available at www.thyca.org, and free materials are available from ThyCa by mail. ThyCa invites you to partner with ThyCa in Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, a worldwide observance that ThyCa sponsors each September, and to become involved in year-round awareness campaigns.

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Six Free Webinars/Calls Feature Expert Speakers
Learn from Your Home or Your Office

ThyCa is excited to invite you to take part in these wonderful free opportunities to learn from numerous thyroid cancer experts, from your own home or office.

Register and get more information on the ThyCa Webinar page

Medullary Thyroid Cancer – Persistent Disease
Speaker: Douglas W. Ball, M.D., Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD; ThyCa Medical Advisor.
Registration/viewing link

Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Speakers: Julie Ann Sosa, M.D., M.A., Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, ThyCa Medical Advisor,and R. Michael Tuttle, M.D., Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY; ThyCa Medical Advisor.
Registration/viewing link

Papillary/Follicular Thyroid Cancer– A Primer
Speaker: Bryan McIver, M.B., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; ThyCa Medical Advisor.
Registration/viewing link

Medullary Thyroid Cancer– A Primer
Speaker: Robert Gagel, M.D., M.S. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, ThyCa Medical Advisor.
Registration/viewing link

Tuesday, August 9, 2011:

Papillary/Follicular Thyroid Cancer – Persistent Disease. 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Speaker: Steven I. Sherman, M.D., University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; ThyCa Medical Advisor.
The live webinar includes a Question and Answer period.Registration/viewing link

Friday, September 9, 2011:

Pediatric Thyroid Cancer. 2 – 3 p.m. Eastern Time.
Speakers: Gary L. Francis, M.D., Ph.D., Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA; ThyCa Medical Advisor, and Steven G. Waguespack, M.D., University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; ThyCa Medical Advisor.
The live webinar includes a Question and Answer period. Registration/viewing link

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Neck Checks—Letters Respond to Time Magazine Article

An article about cancer screening in Time Magazine’s June 13, 2011 issue said that there should “probably not” be regular screening for thyroid nodules such as by getting neck checks at routine medical appointments. It said that, “Guidelines are ‘under review’ but aren’t a top priority because the mortality rate is so low” and that “a 1996 guideline advised against screening.”

ThyCa immediately sent letters to Time. We will post more letters on www.thyca.org. Please add your voice. Send your letters on this topic to publications@thyca.org.

Two letters—

I totally disagree with Time’s Magazine’s June 13, 2011 issue where they say … a regular annual medical should “probably not” include screening for thyroid nodules.

Had my primary physician not automatically done a neck check in my annual medical in 1994, she would never have found a very small (less than one cm) nodule, which turned out to be thyroid cancer which had already metastasized to my neck and upper chest. The cancer was so persistent that even with surgery and radioiodine treatment, it recurred in 1999 and again in 2003.

I am very thankful for that original neck check. I would have been in much more trouble had that cancer not been found as early as it had.

Lynda Murtha
Toronto, Canada

It’s surprising that Time’s article discourages thyroid neck checks, when they’re the quickest and least expensive first step in finding cancers curable by surgery alone. They also find nodules that may be aggressive thyroid cancers types.

Omitting neck checks in an effort to avoid potential post-surgical complications (rare with experienced thyroid surgeons) will let these cancers grow into significant disease with complex, costly treatments; prolonged disease state, and high death rates. If thyroid cancers were insignificant, the death rate would be lower. Overall death rates won’t decline until cures are discovered for the many whose treatments aren’t working.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Bloom
ThyCa Executive Director
Olney, MD

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Free Thyroid Cancer Seminar in Fresno, California, on September 10, 2011

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 10, 2011, and plan to attend the Free Thyroid Cancer Seminar being sponsored by the ThyCa Fresno Support Group. The seminar takes place from 10 a.m. to Noon.

Featured speakers are Saima Sajid-Crockett, M.D., Endocrinologist, Sierra Endocrine Associates, and Daniel E. Stobbe, M.D., FACNP, Nuclear Medicine Physician, Valley Metabolic Imaging.

ThyCa volunteers Anjali Kapoor-Davis and Miriam Delfin are the facilitators of ThyCa Fresno and the seminar organizers. Click here for the seminar location and other details.

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Free Thyroid Cancer Patient Education Program in Colorado, September 17, 2011

You’re invited to the free Thyroid Cancer Education Program in Denver (Aurora), Colorado, on Saturday, September 17, 2011, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. The program is sponsored by the University of Colorado School of Medicine, in cooperation with ThyCa, and the ATA. Speakers include Bryan Haugen, M.D., Chris Raeburn, M.D. , Bev McLaughlin(,E. Chester Ridgway, M.D. , Joshua Klopper, M.D., and Madeleine Kane, M.D., Ph.D.. The program will take place at the Anschutz Medical Campus, Hensel Phelps Auditorium Research Center I-North, 12800 E 19th Avenue, Aurora, Colorado. Please register by September 10. Seemedschool.ucdenver.edu/thyroid and click on Patient Track, or else call to register at 303-724-1026

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Free South Florida Educational Program on September 22, 2011

On Thursday evening, September 22, 2011, starting at 6:30 p.m., you’re invited to a Question and Answer Program with R. Mack Harrell, M.D., Endocrinologist and Thyroidologist, and David Bimston, M.D., Oncology and Thyroid Surgeon, at the Salute to Thyroid Cancer Survivors and Caregivers in honor of Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month. This free event will take place at Memorial Hospital South, 3600 Washington Street, Hollywood, Florida. A variety of appetizers, beverages, and desserts will be served. If you have questions, please contact Christine Ciletti, ThyCa South Florida Support Group Co-Facilitator, at South-FL@thyca.org.

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28-Page Preview of New Free Booklet “Thyroid Cancer Basics”

The 28-page Preview of “Thyroid Cancer Basics” is now available from ThyCa. This booklet covers key information that patients and caregivers need to know about diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and more.

The information has been reviewed by ThyCa Medical Advisors, as will the additional sections. The booklet is downloadable from our website, as well as available by mail (single copy or bulk requests welcome) anywhere in the world, free of charge. Thank you to the large team of volunteers and our expert medical reviewers for your help with this new resource for everyone affected by thyroid cancer.

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AstraZeneca Announces Trade Name CAPRELSA® for Vandetanib

AstraZeneca has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the trade name CAPRELSA for the recently approved orphan drug vandetanib, a treatment for medullary thyroid cancer that cannot be removed by surgery or that has spread to other parts of the body.

CAPRELSA is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of symptomatic or progressive medullary thyroid cancer in patients with unresectable (non-operable) locally advanced or metastatic disease. The FDA approved vandetanib on April 6, 2011 and AstraZeneca made the product available to U.S. patients before it received a trade name. The product is now available under the trade name CAPRELSA. The CAPRELSA web site with further information for physicians and patients is linked in ThyCa’s Links page, in the Medullary Thyroid Cancer section under Treatment and Studies.

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Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month Is Coming in September, Worldwide

  • Get free materials from ThyCa
  • Watch for new Thyroid Cancer Awareness items on our website
  • Learn how you and your organization can partner with ThyCa in this important observance
  • Visit the Raise Awareness page

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More Conference Speakers Confirmed!

We are proud to announce that we’ve confirmed more conference speakers. Our web site will soon have an update.

Mark your calendars for October 14 – 16, 2011, and plan to come to Los Angeles, California, and interact with and learn from distinguished experts from numerous leading centers. Meet and share your experiences with hundreds of other people affected by a thyroid cancer diagnosis.

Become part of a community, help yourself, and help the next person. Click here for the speaker list and other conference details and updates.

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Conference Registration and Hotel Room Reservations Are Open

You now can register online or by mail for the 14th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference in Los Angeles, California, on October 14 – 16, 2011. Click here for online forms and additional conference details.

Click here for Hotel Room Reservations at the special Conference discount rate.

Looking forward to seeing you in Los Angeles in October.

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Come to the Dinner/Auction for Research

The annual Dinner/Auction Fundraiser for Thyroid Cancer will take place in Los Angeles on Saturday evening, October 15 at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel. The funds raised during this wonderful evening help make possible ThyCa’s research grants, now in our 9th consecutive year.

You’re invited to attend. Would you like to donate an auction item? Details and the donation form are now on the web site, in the Conference and Rally for Research pages on our website.

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Dr. Sosa Named to ThyCa Medical Advisory Council

We are pleased to announce that Julie Ann Sosa, M.D., M.A., of Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, has been named to ThyCa’s Medical Advisory Council, which now has 34 members.

Dr. Sosa is an Endocrine and Oncologic Surgeon and Associate Professor of Surgery (Oncology) and of Medicine (Medical Oncology), as well as Director of the Yale Endocrine Surgery Clinical and Health Services Research Group.

She is involved in clinical trials of new drug treatments for all the major types of thyroid cancer. She is principal investigator or co-principal investigator of studies of new drug treatments for differentiated thyroid cancer (papillary/follicular), medullary thyroid cancer, and anaplastic thyroid cancer.

Dr. Sosa is a speaker in ThyCa’s Free Webinar on Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer on Friday, July 29, 2011. She will also be a speaker at the 14th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference in Los Angeles, California, on October 14 –16, 2011.

Following undergraduate education at Princeton University, she received a master’s degree in Human Sciences at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom and her medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland. She received postgraduate training at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, as well as John Radcliffe and Churchill Hospitals, Oxford, England. She is a frequent invited lecturer and course leader/instructor for professional audiences and has also spoken at three recent ThyCa conferences.

The 34 members of ThyCa’s Medical Advisory Council are world-recognized experts in the field of thyroid cancer. The advisors provide valuable counsel and support ThyCa’s goals in education, treatment, and research. Learn about them on the Medical Advisors pag.

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Guestbook Is Free

Sign up for our Free Newsletter, or update your contact information (mailing address, e-mail address, etc.).

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Free Patient Information Packets

We will be happy to mail you a free packet of educational materials.

To request a free packet for yourself, please go to our Guestbook, fill out the Guestbook form, and click on Yes in the line that says “Please send me a patient information packet” near the bottom of the address form.

To request a free packet for someone else, please e-mail the person’s name and complete mailing address to thyca@thyca.org.

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ThyCa Silicon Valley, California, Support Group Hosts Free Seminar

On Saturday, July 23, Andrei Iagaru, M.D., Nuclear Medicine Physician, Stanford Medical Center, California, was the guest speaker at the meeting of the ThyCa Silicon Valley Support Group in Foster City, California. Dr. Iagaru spoke and answered questions about I-131 (Radioactive Iodine) in Thyroid Cancer Testing and Treatment.

Lois Fried and Gail Schuler are ThyCa Silicon Valley Support Group’s volunteer facilitators. Click here for the monthly meeting details and location.

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Find a ThyCa Support Group Near You

Find out whether there is a ThyCa Support Group near you, and how to be in touch and attend meetings. Each group has its own web page: www.thyca.org/sg/.

ThyCa has helped start face-to-face support groups across the United States and in Canada, Costa Rica, and Philippines.

Don’t see a support group near you? Find out how you can help start a new group. Just e-mailsupport_coord@thyca.org.

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Follow ThyCa on Facebook and Twitter

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Low-Iodine Recipe of the Month
Contributed by Monica M.

Grilled Lemon Chicken with Basil Sauce

2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 Tablespoons plus 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seeds, coarsely crushed
1 1/2 teaspoons salt (non-iodized)
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves
1 large clove garlic
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Directions

Whisk 1/3 cup of oil, 3 Tablespoons of lemon juice, fennel seeds, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a heavy-duty re-sealable plastic bag. Add the chicken and seal the bag. Massage the marinade into the chicken. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes and up to 1 day, turning the chicken occasionally.

Meanwhile, blend the basil, garlic, lemon zest, remaining 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a blender until smooth. Gradually blend in the remaining 1/3 cup oil. Season the basil sauce, to taste, with more salt and pepper, if desired.

Prepare the barbecue for medium-high heat or preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken until just cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to plates. Drizzle the basil sauce over and serve.

Editor’s Note: Thank you, Monica, for contributing your tasty recipe. We will include your recipe in the next edition of ThyCa’s FREE Downloadable Low-Iodine Cookbook.

Free and Downloadable

Download the 7th edition of the Low-Iodine Cookbook in English for free, with more than 340 favorite recipes from more than 150 generous volunteers.

The Cookbook is also available in:

  • Spanish and
  • French

Please remember, while you’re welcome to download and print the entire free low-iodine cookbook, you can also print just the pages you need.

This free cookbook is a wonderful help when you’re preparing to receive radioactive iodine for treatment or testing. All the recipes are favorites of some of our ThyCa volunteers, who are sharing them with everyone, to make the low-iodine diet easy and tasty. The recipes are also great for family meals and for potlucks, any time.

If you’d like to contribute your favorite recipe or tip, send it to recipes@thyca.org.

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Join Us, Become a Member

Help us sustain, strengthen, and extend our services. We invite you to become a member of ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.

Your membership dues will support ThyCa’s efforts to reach and serve other survivors and their families around the world. Members receive our quarterly Membership Messenger newsletter.

Membership is open to everyone worldwide. You may become a 1-year ThyCa member ($25), 2-year member ($45), or lifetime member ($225). Click here for our online Membership Form and our mailed Membership Form.

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Support the Rally for Research

Thanks to generous contributions and special fundraising events, ThyCa has awarded new thyroid cancer research grants every year starting in 2003. These grants support our goal of cures for all thyroid cancer and a future free of thyroid cancer. We have again awarded new research grants in 2011.

You’re invited to help support the Rally for Research. For details about the Rally for Research, donation opportunities, special events, Quarters for a Cure, and information about ThyCa’s past and future Research Grants, visit the Rally for Research page.

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Every Day

Every day, thousands of people with thyroid cancer, and their families, receive support, education, and hope from ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. Your generous support is what makes it possible to sustain, strengthen, and expand our services and outreach.

It only takes a minute to make a donation online in support of ThyCa’s work (or you are welcome to donate by mail to ThyCa, P.O. Box 964, Chesterfield, MO 63006-0964), so click here to give.

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About ThyCa NEWS NOTES
Copyright (c) 2011 ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.

Please share ThyCa News Notes with your family and friends. For permission to reprint in another electronic or print publication, please contact us at publications@thyca.org.

The information in this newsletter is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended, nor should it be interpreted, as medical advice or directions of any kind. Readers are advised to consult their own medical doctor(s) for all matters involving their health and medical care.

Your suggestions for articles are welcome. The deadline for articles and news items is the first day of each month.

Thank you to our writing, editing, and proofreading team for this issue: Dana Fusco, Leah Guljord, Pat Paillard, Barbara Status, Cherry Wunderlich, and Gary Bloom.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a national non- profit 501(c)(3) organization (tax ID #52-2169434) of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals. Contact us for free awareness materials and information about our free services and special events. E-mail to thyca@thyca.org, call toll-free at 1-877-588-7904, fax 1-630-604-6078, write PO Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102, or visit our webiste.

We are proud to introduce 34 confirmed speakers, with more to come, for the 14th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference, on October 14 – 16, 2011, in Los Angeles, California, sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc..

Come learn and share with the many experts, and people impacted by a thyroid cancer diagnosis. Become part of a community, help yourself, and help the next person.

You now can register online for the Conference, as well as reserve your hotel room at the special discount rate. For the speaker list, the online forms, and further conference details, go to www.thyca.org/support/conferences/.

Thyroid Cancer Experts and Survivors Collaborate

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is proud to announce the funding of three new 2011 Thyroid Cancer Research Grants plus two 2010 continuation grants. The grant recipients were selected by an independent expert panel of the American Thyroid Association (ATA).

The recipients of the three new grants are researchers at Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas; and Washington Hospital Center/Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

First awarded in 2003, and continuing every year since, ThyCa’s grants are the first-ever thyroid cancer research grants to be funded entirely by thyroid cancer patients, caregivers, and friends. ThyCa has awarded more than $750,000 for thyroid cancer research, to researchers in France, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States. The ThyCa grants are open to researchers and institutions worldwide.

The 2011 new ThyCa grant recipients are:

  • Naifa L. Busaidy, M.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Endocrine Neoplasia & Hormonal Disorders at the University of Texas – M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Her project is titled “A PI3K Based Phophoproteome Signature To Predict Prognosis and Response to Therapy in BRAF Mutant Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.” Dr. Busaidy’s project is based on the finding that some recurrent papillary thyroid cancers that are resistant to radioiodine have the BRAF mutant and activation of the P13K pathway. The research aims to understand the role of the particular pathway(P13K) in the development of aggressive forms of the BRAF mutant papillary thyroid cancer, which currently has few treatment options when it is progressing.

  • Joanna Klubo-Gwiezdzinska, M.D., Ph.D., Endocrine Research Fellow, Washington Hospital Center/Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., for the project, “The Role of the Translocator Protein (TSPO) in the Thyroid Cancer Response to Treatment.” This project will focus on papillary, follicular, and medullary thyroid cancer, using both in vitro and in vivo studies. The long-term goal is to assess the potential usefulness of TSPO as a predictor of response to radiation treatment, thereby enabling better selection of patients who might benefit; moreover, pharmacologically modifying selected TPSO properties may be potentially useful for sensitizing the cancer to further radiation treatment

  • Carmelo Nucera, M.D., Ph.D., Harvard Medical School, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, for the project “Targeting BRAFV600E with an Orally Available Selective Inhibitor in Novel In Vitro and In Vivo Preclinical Models of Human Papillary Thyroid Cancer.” This project focuses on BRAFV600E mutation, the genetic alteration present in more than 50% of PTC and associated with worse outcomes and a lower survival rate. Dr. Nucera notes that recently developed orally available selective inhibitors of BRAFV600E have been shown to promote regression of tumors in melanoma patients and to inhibit proliferation of anaplastic thyroid cancer cell lines and colorectal and melanoma cell lines in-vitro. This project will study the impact of the BRAFV600E inhibitor PLX4032 on iodide metabolism/transport, cell proliferation, adhesion, migration/invasion, and metastasis.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association has also awarded a second year of funding to its two 2010 grant recipients, also selected by ATA’s independent panel:

  • Rozita Bagheri-Yarmand, Ph.D., University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer, Houston, Texas, for the project “Center Activating Transcription Factor 4 (ATF4), a Novel Putative Tumor Suppressor Gene in Medullary Thyroid Cancer.”

  • Tania Pilli, M.D., University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, for the project “The Role of MADD, an IG20 Gene Splice Variant, and Its Potential Use as Therapeutic Target in the Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer.”

ThyCa’s grants, now in their ninth year, are made possible through the contributions from thousands of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and friends who want to support increased research to find better treatment options and cures for all thyroid cancer, one of the few cancers significantly increasing in the number of newly-diagnosed patients.

“ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association is excited to raise much-needed funds for thyroid cancer research, and grateful to our many donors,” said ThyCa Executive Director Gary Bloom. “We greatly appreciate our cooperative efforts with the American Thyroid Association. We’re pleased to support the best thyroid cancer research projects proposed by young investigators, with funding available to researchers and research centers worldwide.”

Grant recipients from 2003 – 2011 include researchers at these institutions:

  • Cochin Institut, Paris, France
  • Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
  • Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
  • Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
  • Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, and Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
  • Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
  • University of California Los Angeles/Veterans Affairs West Los Angeles Health Care System, Los Angeles, California
  • University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
  • University Hospital Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
  • University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois
  • University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
  • Washington Hospital Center/Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

ThyCa has two Research Funds. One fund supports research on follicular-cell-derived thyroid cancer, including papillary, follicular, anaplastic, and variants. The other fund supports research on medullary thyroid cancer. Both funds welcome contributions of any size.For iInformation about ThyCa’s Rally for Research fundraising, click here.

This year ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is marking its 16th year of providing free services to thyroid cancer survivors, families, medical professionals, and the public. ThyCa sponsors free year-round thyroid cancer support groups; one-to-one support from ThyCa volunteers matched by type of thyroid cancer; numerous free publications including a Patient Information Packet, a downloadable low-iodine cookbook now in its expanded 7th edition in English, French, and Spanish, and many other publications; free pediatric backpacks with information kits for children and teens with thyroid cancer and their families; free monthly online newsletter; and an educational web site with more than 650 pages. ThyCa receives guidance from its Medical Advisory Council of world recognized experts in the field of thyroid cancer.

The American Thyroid Association (ATA) is the lead medical professional organization dedicated to promoting thyroid health and understanding thyroid biology and all thyroid diseases in the United States. The ATA values scientific inquiry, clinical excellence, public service, education, collaboration, and collegiality. The ATA fosters excellence in research, patient care, and education of patients, the public, and the medical and scientific communities.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. sponsors Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month in September, a worldwide observance, plus year-round awareness campaigns in support of early detection, treatment and monitoring, and helping connect people affected by thyroid cancer with ThyCa’s free services and resources. ThyCa also sponsors seminars, webinars, regional workshops, and the annual International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference. Details are available on our website, or by calling 1-877-588-7904 or e-mailing thyca@thyca.org.

On Saturday, June 11, 2011, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the 10th Annual Mid-Atlantic Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop will be held at Holy Cross Hospital, 1500 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring, Maryland. This event is sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association. Everyone interested in learning about thyroid cancer is welcome to attend, including people at all phases of testing, treatment, and follow-up for thyroid cancer, as well as caregivers and friends.

People may come for part or all of this free day. Medical professional speakers include:

  • Andrew J. Bauer, M.D., COL MC USA, Endocrinologist, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, and The Thyroid Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
  • Kenneth D. Burman, M.D., Endocrinologist, Washington Hospital Center, DC
  • Bruce Davidson, M.D., Otolaryngologist (Surgeon), Georgetown University Medical Center, DC
  • Gary L. Francis, M.D., Ph.D., Endocrinologist, Virginia Commonwealth University, VA
  • Jacqueline Jonklaas, M.D., Endocrinologist, Georgetown University Medical Center, DC
  • Janet Papirmeister, B.S., R.N., Cancer Patient Navigator, Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, MD
  • Douglas Van Nostrand, M.D., Nuclear Medicine Physician, Washington Hospital Center, DC

Topics will include Thyroid Cancer Questions & Answers, Follow-Up in the First Year and Over Your Lifetime, Surgery, Controversies in Using I-131, Thyrogen, Thyroid Cancer in Children and Teens, Coping with a Recent Diagnosis, Complementary Approaches for Well-Being, and Living with Thyroid Cancer over the Long Term. The day will also include Survivor/Caregiver Support Group Roundtables. Resource Tables will provide free materials with educational and support information.

Register either online on www.thyca.org, or onsite on the day of the workshop. Parking is free. The hospital is near the Beltway I-495 from the Georgia Avenue North exit (Route 97). It is also near the Forest Glen Metro Station and bus transportation. Hosts and organizers are volunteers from the ThyCa Baltimore Support Group, ThyCa Northern Virginia Support Group, ThyCa Rockville Support Group, and ThyCa Washington, DC Support Group.

For more information, e-mail Washington_DC@thyca.org or thyca@thyca.org or phone 301-493-8810.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization providing person-to-person support, support groups, the free downloadable Low-Iodine Cookbook, free online newsletter, information packets, awareness materials, free one-day workshops, and many more resources to thyroid cancer survivors, their families, and the public at no charge.

ThyCa also funds thyroid cancer research grants, sponsors Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month in September, and will hold the 14th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference in Los Angeles, California, on October 14-16, 2011.

For more information, visit our website, write PO Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102, call toll-free to 877-588-7904, fax to 630-604-6078, or e-mail to thyca@thyca.org.

In This Issue:

ThyCa Awards 3 New Thyroid Cancer Research Grants, Plus 2 Continuation Grants: Thyroid Cancer Experts and Survivors Collaborate

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc., is proud to announce three new 2011 Thyroid Cancer Research Grants plus two continuation grants.

The new grant recipients are researchers at

  • Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
  • University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
  • Washington Hospital Center/Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

The continuation grants were awarded to researchers at

  • University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
  • University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer, Houston, Texas

First awarded in 2003, and continuing every year since, ThyCa’s grants are the first-ever thyroid cancer research grants to be funded entirely by thyroid cancer patients, caregivers, and friends. The grant recipients were selected from submissions by researchers at institutions worldwide by an independent expert panel of the American Thyroid Association (ATA).

ThyCa’s grants are open to researchers and institutions worldwide. To date, ThyCa has invested more than $750,000 in Thyroid Cancer Research. Congratulations to all of us!

Details about the winning projects and researchers will soon be added to our website.

Our thanks to everyone who is helping to raise much-needed funds for thyroid cancer research. Visit ThyCa’sRally for Research page to learn more about our research fundraising and how you can help.

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Neck Checks—ThyCa Disagrees with Time Magazine Article

An article about cancer screening in Time Magazine’s June 13, 2011 issue said that there should “probably not” be regular screening for thyroid nodules such as by getting neck checks at routine medical appointments. It said that “Guidelines are ‘under review’ but aren’t a top priority because the mortality rate is so low” and that “a 1996 guideline advised against screening.”

We disagree. Neck checks are an important way to find nodules early, when those that are among the aggressive types or variants of thyroid cancer can receive successful treatment.

That’s why ThyCa initiated Thyroid Cancer Awareness Week in 2000 and expanded it to Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month in 2004—a worldwide observance, plus year-round thyroid cancer awareness campaigns.

ThyCa has already sent two letters to Time. We will post them on our website. Please add your voice. Send your letters on this topic to publications@thyca.org.

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Now in Japanese: Thyroid Cancer Facts

The widely used fact sheet titled Thyroid Cancer Facts is now available in Japanese. Thank you very much to ThyCa volunteer and translator Yumiko Pelletier and medical reviewer, nurse Ikuko Komo, who is currently studying oncology nursing at Yale, for this translation. Watch for this fact sheet soon on our website .

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Free 40-Page Booklet Coming: 28-Page Preview Now on Web Site

A free introductory thyroid cancer booklet covering key information that patients and caregivers need to know about diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and more is coming soon from ThyCa.

The booklet will be 40 pages, and reviewed by ThyCa’s Medical Advisors. It will be downloadable from www.thyca.org. It will also be available by mail (single copy or bulk requests welcome) anywhere in the world, free of charge. Thank you to the large team of volunteers and our expert medical reviewers for your help with this new resource for everyone affected by thyroid cancer.

The 28-page Preview Booklet is now on the web site. Read and download it, free of charge.

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Where Can You Find Face-To-Face ThyCa Support Group Meetings?

Find out whether there is a ThyCa Support Group near you, and attend meetings if you can: www.thyca.org/sg/. Face-to-face ThyCa Support Groups meet in more than 70 communities. They are wonderful places to meet others in your community who are coping with thyroid cancer.

If you’d like information about starting a group in your community, contact the Support Group Team coordinators at support_coord@thyca.org.

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Introducing 34 Conference Speakers

We are proud to introduce 34 confirmed speakers, with more to come. Come hear and share with the many experts, and people impacted by a thyroid cancer diagnosis. Become part of a community, help yourself, and help the next person. For the speaker list and other conference details, visit our Conferenes page.

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Conference Registration Opens; Hotel Room Reservations Open

You now can register online for the 14th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference in Los Angeles, California, on October 14 – 16, 2011.

Hotel room reservations are also open.

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Guestbook Is Free

Sign up for our Free Newsletter, or update your contact information (mailing address, e-mail address, etc.).

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Free Patient Information Packets

We will be happy to mail you a free packet of educational materials.

To request a free packet for yourself, please go to our Guestbook, fill out the Guestbook form, and click on Yes in the line that says “Please send me a patient information packet” near the bottom of the address form.

To request a free packet for someone else, please e-mail the person’s name and complete mailing address to thyca@thyca.org.

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Cancer Legal Rights Conference on June 24

A free one-day conferencde on cancder legal righjts was held in Chicago, Illinois, sponsored by the Cancer Legal Rights Center. More information is at www. cancerrightsconference.org.

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Low-Iodine Recipe of the Month
Contributed by Dana Fusco, Queens, New York

Strawberry Nut Muffins

2 Cups flour
3 egg whites
1/2 Cup sugar
1/4 Cup brown sugar
1/3 Cup vegetable oil
2 Cups fresh strawberries (pureed in food processor)
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon non-iodized salt
1 pinch ground ginger (optional)
1/4 Cup walnuts (finely chopped)

Threw everything together in a bowl. Mix. Bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees F.

Editor’s Note: Thank you, Dana, for contributing your recipe. We will include your recipe in the next edition of ThyCa’s FREE Downloadable Low-Iodine Cookbook.

Free and Downloadable

Download the 7th edition of the Low-Iodine Cookbook in English for free, with more than 340 favorite recipes from more than 150 generous volunteers.

The Cookbook is also available in:

  • Spanish and
  • French

Please remember, while you’re welcome to download and print the entire free low-iodine cookbook, you can also print just the pages you need.

This free cookbook is a wonderful help when you’re preparing to receive radioactive iodine for treatment or testing. All the recipes are favorites of some of our ThyCa volunteers, who are sharing them with everyone, to make the low-iodine diet easy and tasty. The recipes are also great for family meals and for potlucks, any time.

If you’d like to contribute your favorite recipe or tip, send it to recipes@thyca.org.

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Follow ThyCa on Facebook and Twitter

http://www.facebook.com/pages/THYCA/231492537404?ref=mf

On Twitter, at ThyCaInc.

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Support the Rally for Research

Thanks to generous contributions and special fundraising events, ThyCa has awarded new thyroid cancer research grants every year starting in 2003. These grants support our goal of cures for all thyroid cancer and a future free of thyroid cancer. We have again awarded new research grants in 2011.

You’re invited to help support the Rally for Research. For details about the Rally for Research, donation opportunities, special events, Quarters for a Cure, and information about ThyCa’s past and future Research Grants, visit the Rally for Research page.

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Join Us, Become a Member

Help us sustain, strengthen, and extend our services. We invite you to become a member of ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.

Your membership dues will support ThyCa’s efforts to reach and serve other survivors and their families around the world. Members receive our quarterly Membership Messenger newsletter.

Membership is open to everyone worldwide. You may become a 1-year ThyCa member ($25), 2-year member ($45), or lifetime member ($225). Click here or our online Membership Form and our mailed Membership Form.

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Every Day

Every day, thousands of people with thyroid cancer, and their families, receive support, education, and hope from ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. Your generous support is what makes it possible to sustain, strengthen, and expand our services and outreach.

It only takes a minute to make a donation online in support of ThyCa’s work (or you are welcome to donate by mail to ThyCa, P.O. Box 964, Chesterfield, MO 63006-0964), so click here to give.

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About ThyCa NEWS NOTES

Copyright (c) 2011 ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.

Please share ThyCa News Notes with your family and friends. For permission to reprint in another electronic or print publication, please contact us at publications@thyca.org.

The information in this newsletter is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended, nor should it be interpreted, as medical advice or directions of any kind. Readers are advised to consult their own medical doctor(s) for all matters involving their health and medical care.

Your suggestions for articles are welcome. The deadline for articles and news items is the first day of each month.

Thank you to our writing, editing, and proofreading team for this issue: Dana Fusco, Leah Guljord, Pat Paillard, Barbara Status, Cherry Wunderlich, and Gary Bloom.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a national non- profit 501(c)(3) organization (tax ID #52-2169434) of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals. Contact us for free awareness materials and information about our free services and special events. E-mail to thyca@thyca.org, call toll-free at 1-877-588-7904, fax 1-630-604-6078, write PO Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102, or visit our webiste.

On Saturday, May 28, 2011, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., a Free Thyroid Cancer Workshop/ Information Day will be held in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, at Eastern Health, Conference Room C – Administrative Offices, 306 Waterford Bridge Road, St. John’s. Tea, coffee, and sandwiches will be provided.

This free event is organized and hosted by the ThyCa Newfoundland and Labrador Support Group of ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association. Everyone interested in learning about thyroid cancer, including people at all phases of testing, treatment, and follow-up for thyroid cancer, as well as their caregivers and friends, is welcome to attend.

People may come for part or all of this free day. The Program Schedule is as follows:

  • 8:30-9:00 a.m. Registration
  • 9:00-9:15 a.m. Welcome – Joanie Bruce, Facilitator, ThyCa Newfoundland and Labrador
  • 9:15-10:15 a.m. New Imaging Techniques for the Detection of Thyroid Cancer in Nuclear Medicine. Peter Hollett, M.D., FRCPC, Chief, Division of Nuclear Medicine
  • 10:15-10:45 a.m. Nutrition Break
  • 10:45-11:45 a.m. New Guidelines From the American Thyroid Association – Individualized Treatment and Follow-up Using Staging and Prognostic Systems. Vikram Chandurkar, M.D., FRCPC, Assistant Professor, Division of Endocrinology
  • 11:45-12:30 p.m.Lunch – Tea, coffee, and sandwiches provided
  • 12: 30-1:30 p.m. Nutrition, Low Iodine Diet, & Thyroid Cancer. Gerri Anne Devereaux, Dietitian
  • 1:30-3:00 p.m. Roundtable: Challenges of Coping with Thyroid Cancer and Handling Full Time Work, Family Responsibilities, or Both. Joanie Bruce, Ida Marrie, & Grace Dean, ThyCa Newfoundland and Labrador Thyroid Cancer Support Group
  • 3:00 -3:15 p.m. Wrap-up – feedback and suggestions

Resource Tables will provide free materials with educational and support information.

Register either online, or onsite on the day of the workshop, or use the form at www.thyca.org/sg/nf-lab/.

Driving directions and a map are available on the web site of the ThyCa Newfoundland and Labrador Support Group.

For more information, e-mail nf-lab@thyca.org or call Joanie Bruce 709-227-2784 or Ida P. Marrie 709-726-1125

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization providing person-to-person support, support groups, the free downloadable Low-Iodine Cookbook, free online newsletter, information packets, awareness materials, free one-day workshops, and many more resources to thyroid cancer survivors, their families, and the public at no charge.

ThyCa also funds thyroid cancer research grants, sponsors Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month in September, and will hold the 14th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference in Los Angeles, California, on October 14-16, 2011.

For more information, visit www.thyca.org, write PO Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102, call toll-free to 877-588-7904, fax to 630-604-6078, or e-mail to thyca@thyca.org.

On Monday, May 2, 2011, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., a Free Thyroid Cancer Public Education Symposium and dinner will be held in Chicago, Illinois, at McGaw Pavilion – Daniel Hale Williams Auditorium, 240 East Huron Street, 2nd Floor (Room 2-320), Chicago, Illinois. A boxed dinner will be provided to all pre-registered attendees.

This free program is offered by Northwestern University’s Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center and ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association. The event welcomes people at all phases of testing, treatment, and follow-up for thyroid cancer, as well as their caregivers and everyone interested in learning about thyroid cancer.

Topics and physician speakers from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine include

  • Detection and Initial Treatment — Dina Elaraj, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Endocrine Surgey
  • Surgery for Advanced Thyroid Cancer —Jose Dutra, M.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery
  • Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostics — Gary Dillehay, M.D., Professor, Department of Nuclear Medicine
  • Screening and Treatment for Recurrent Thyroid Cancer — Cord Sturgeon, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Endocrine Surgery
  • Thyroid Hormone Replacement, Long-term Surveillance, and New Forms of Therapy for Advanced Disease — Peter Kopp, M.D., Associate Professor, Division of Endocrinology

The physicians are specialists at Northwestern University. In addition, Jessica Brunner, ThyCa Chicago Thyroid Cancer Support Group Facilitator, will provide free information materials on thyroid cancer and the free support groups, one-to-one support services, and resources of ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association.

For more details and to register, go to www.cancer.northwestern.edu/public/programs_events/events/2011/05_may/thyroid.cfm

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a national nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization providing person-to-person support, support groups, the free downloadable Low-Iodine Cookbook, free online newsletter, information packets, awareness materials, free one-day workshops, and many more resources to thyroid cancer survivors, their families, and the public at no charge.

ThyCa also funds thyroid cancer research grants, sponsors Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month in September, and will hold the 14th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference in Los Angeles, California, on October 14-16, 2011.

For more information, visit our website, write PO Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102, call toll-free to 877-588-7904, fax to 630-604-6078, or e-mail to thyca@thyca.org.

In This Issue:

Finding Treatment Clinical Trials

Clinical trials try to find better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer.

Treatment clinical trials are currently under way for new treatments for people whose advanced and aggressive thyroid cancers are not responding to currently available therapies.

Here are a few questions to ask:

  • What is the purpose of the study?
  • Why do researchers think the approach may be effective?
  • Who will sponsor the study?
  • Who has reviewed and approved the study?
  • How are study results and safety of participants being checked?

Find more questions to ask, tips, and links to current clinical trials for thyroid cancer, in the Clinical Trials section of our web site.

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Learn From Experts at Free Workshop on Saturday, June 11

Saturday, June 11, 2011, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Silver Spring, Maryland.
Mid-Atlantic Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop. Sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.

Speakers include:

  • Andrew J. Bauer, M.D., COL MC USA, Endocrinologist, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, and The Thyroid Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
  • Kenneth D. Burman, M.D., Endocrinologist, Washington Hospital Center, DC
  • Bruce Davidson, M.D., Otolaryngologist (Surgeon), Georgetown University Medical Center, DC
  • Gary L. Francis, M.D., Ph.D., Endocrinologist, Virginia Commonwealth University, VA
  • Jacqueline Jonklaas, M.D., Endocrinologist, Georgetown University Medical Center, DC
  • Gigi Meinecke, D.M.D., F.A.G.D., Dentist, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, MD
  • Janet Papirmeister, B.N, R.N, Cancer Patient Navigator, Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, MD; plus a panel on complementary approaches to well-being
  • Douglas Van Nostrand, M.D., Nuclear Medicine Physician, Washington Hospital Center, DC

Walk-in attendees are welcome. Come for all or part of the day. Thyroid cancer survivors, their families, caregivers, and friends are invited to attend. Register either online in advance or onsite on the day of the workshop. Visit ThyCa’s web site Conference/Workshops section for further details about the speakers, program, and directions.

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Pathologist To Speak on June 7

On Tuesday, June 7, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Amir Kendy, M.D., Pathologist, will speak and answer questions at the meeting of the ThyCa Rockville, Maryland, Support Group. This event is free. Visitwww.thyca.org/sg/md_rockville/ for details.

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Cancer Legal Rights Conference on June 24

Learn about your legal rights as a cancer patient at the free one-day conference in Chicago, Illinois, sponsored by the Cancer Legal Rights Center. More information is in ThyCa’s Events Calendar and atcancerrightsconference.org.

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Thyroid Cancer Patient Surveys

Importance, Early Results, Future Needs
By David Myssiorek, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Division of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, New York University Clinical Cancer Center; Professor of Otolaryngology; and ThyCa Medical Advisor

Some surprising information about the prevalence and duration of voice disorders after thyroidectomy has come from the survey of Thyroid Surgery and Voice Issues, posted last year by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association.

By April 2011, more than 5,800 people had responded to the voice issues survey. This is the largest patient response to any thyroid cancer survey ever. The survey has also brought to light issues regarding voice therapy and the effect that chronic voice disability has had on responders.

This surgery survey, as well as two other physician-authored surveys that ThyCa posted last year—on Radioactive Iodine (RAI) and the Salivary Glands and on Thyroid Cancer Patients’ Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine—highlight the contributions that these surveys can make to physician knowledge, patient care, and doctor-patient relationships.

Overview of the Population Surveyed

The characteristics of the potential survey population is exemplified by the hundreds who came to 13th Annual Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference in Dallas, Texas, October 15-17, 2010. Numerous world-class experts in all aspects of thyroid cancer participated at this educational meeting. They spoke on topics ranging from diagnosis to treatment to aftercare and long-term surveillance. The conference attendees were a small portion of the more than 20,000 participants in ThyCa’s online support groups and one-to-one support, all of whom are potential participants in the surveys.

First and foremost, these ThyCa constituents are all people affected by a thyroid cancer diagnosis, either as survivors themselves, or as caregivers/loved ones of the survivors. Most, but not all, of the thyroid cancers addressed by ThyCa are well differentiated and usually carry a lengthy survival.

Second, these ThyCa members regularly communicate by e-mail, implying an active and large population of more than 20,000 computer-savvy people. E-mail and website-based communication allow rapid dispersion of timely information, as well as rapid response.

Finally, the majority of thyroid cancer survivors have few post-treatment problems or multiple long-term problems ranging from oral dryness from RAI to vocal disorders from surgery. Most of the problems reported are issues of quality of life, rather than survival issues. Many of the problems can be successfully addressed. The minority of thyroid cancer survivors who have more complex post-treatment problems are an additional important constituency for medical professionals.

Significance of this Population – Who We Are

This is a large group of survivors, the great majority with long life expectancies, computer access, and solvable problems. Medical researchers should be able to generate valuable data regarding survival, quality of survival, and issues related to care delivery in this vocal, intelligent group. Because of ThyCa’s membership base, and reach, if large numbers of members participate in informational surveys, you can change treatment policies, long-held notions about complications, and the doctor/patient relationship. Imagine a group of people able to alter the course of their welfare by speaking out about all of these issues.

Recent Surveys

Last year, ThyCa posted 3 physician-authored surveys that impacted most of its members. Participation in all of these surveys was voluntary; no payment or incentive was provided. The Vocal Issues survey was posted for over a year. By April 2011, more than 5,800 people had responded. As noted earlier, this is the largest-ever patient response to any thyroid cancer survey. The survey showed some surprising outcomes about the prevalence and duration of voice disorders in people after thyroidectomy. It also revealed issues regarding voice therapy and the effect chronic voice disability had on the responders.

This was very helpful information. Thank you to everyone who participated. While firm data on expected response rates from this type of survey are lacking, and 25% is a substantial response to a voluntary survey, a higher response can make the study more powerful and therefore more significant than it has already been.

How Surveys Can Benefit Patients and Professionals

ThyCa is a heterogeneous group consisting of several groups of people. These include people newly diagnosed, long-term patients free of disease or with stable disease, long-term patients with complications, and caregivers. They have issues that include radioactive iodine (RAI) and its impacts, voice issues, being alone in their journeys, non-response to available therapy, and others. In addition, some with no significant medical challenges of their own and some who are coping with significant challenges give support to other members.

Questionnaires about a specific topic would attract people affected by that topic. Naturally, a bias would occur if the only responders were the ones with problems. For example, if the normal speakers do not respond to the voice questionnaire, the data will reflect a very large percentage of ThyCa participants with impaired voices. The only way to diminish this bias is to increase the number of responders to the survey. If the only people responding to the RAI survey have poor outcomes, RAI would appear to be a bad treatment option; however, it is a good treatment option.

The importance of these surveys is manifold. First, the surveys can supply medical researchers with normalized data from patients across small and large centers, not simply patients from individual large academic centers. Second, if the medical literature states that there is a low percentage of dry mouth after RAI, but “our constituency claims otherwise, by using our questionnaire,” ThyCa constituents could change the way in which patients and doctors interact in the future. Third, if vocal issues are more prevalent than currently suspected, then patients with weak indications for thyroid surgery could include the potential for vocal change in their decision-making. Similarly, if our membership determined by survey that vocal therapy was helpful; wouldn’t more physicians tell their patients with vocal changes about it?

The point is that ThyCa-endorsed surveys give power to those who answer them. These surveys potentially could change doctor/patient relationships, improve the exchange of information, and better prepare patients for thyroid surgery, and they could help eliminate non-effective practices or add therapies to enhance post treatment quality of life. The more people who participate in these surveys, the louder our collective voice will be heard.

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Salivary Gland and Surgery Surveys Need Your Input

Make your voice heard! Each survey takes just a few minutes to complete. The surveys are voluntary and anonymous.

Share your experience here:

  • Salivary Gland and Radioactive Iodine Survey
  • Surgery Survey

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‘Where Can You Find Face-To-Face ThyCa Support Group Meetings?

Find out whether there is a ThyCa Support Group near you, and attend meetings if you can. Face-to-face ThyCa Support Groups meet in dozens of communities. They are wonderful places to meet others in your community who are coping with thyroid cancer.

If you’d like information about starting a group in your community, contact the Support Group Team coordinators at support_coord@thyca.org.

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Tamra’s Run for ThyCa

A special thank you and best wishes to Tamra Kaufman, for running for ThyCa on June 19, 2011, at the Vancouver USA Marathon and Half-Marathon. To learn more and find out how to support Tamra’s Run, visit the Rally for Research page.

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Insurance Co-Pay Assistance Available

Underinsured patients who need help with co-payments for medications for their cancer or chronic disease may find financial assistance from the nonprofit Patient Access Network Foundation. Starting in November 2010, this organization began providing co-payment assistance to underinsured patients with thyroid cancer. Qualified patients will be granted up to $1,500 per year to cover the cost of medications for diagnostics and treatment. The Foundation’s site is also linked in ThyCa’s Links list in the Support/Resources section.

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Thank You To Our Guest Speakers in May 2011

  • Free Seminar on May 21 hosted by ThyCa Silicon Valley Support Group in California, with John Sunwoo, M.D. FACS, Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine. Topic: Neck Dissections for Lymph Node Metastases and the Use of Nerve Monitoring During Thyroidectomies.
  • ree Seminar hosted by ThyCa Charlotte Support Group in North Carolina, with Paul Downing, Exercise Physiologist at Strides to Strength, a cancer wellness and fatigue management program.
  • Free Newfoundland and Labrador Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop/Information Day on May 28 , hosted by ThyCa Newfoundland and Labrador Support Group. Featured topics and speakers.
  • New Imaging Techniques for the Detection of Thyroid Cancer in Nuclear Medicine. Peter Hollett, M.D., FRCPC, Chief, Division of Nuclear Medicine
  • New Guidelines From the American Thyroid Association – Individualized Treatment and Follow-up Using Staging and Prognostic Systems. Vikram Chandurkar, M.D., FRCPC, Assistant Professor, Division of Endocrinology
  • Nutrition, Low Iodine Diet, & Thyroid Cancer. Gerri Anne Devereaux, Dietitian
  • Roundtable: Challenges of Coping with Thyroid Cancer and Handling Full Time Work, Family Responsibilities, or Both. Joanie Bruce, Ida Marrie, & Grace Dean, Facilitators of ThyCa Newfoundland and Labrador Thyroid Cancer Support Group.

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Conference Registration Opens; Hotel Room Reservations Open

You now can register online for the 14th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference in Los Angeles, California, on October 14 – 16, 2011.

Hotel Room Reservations are also open.

Click here for details and online forms.

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More Than 30 Conference Speakers Confirmed from 21 Centers

We’re excited to announce that 30 distinguished medical professionals are already confirmed for the 14th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference. As of May 1, we’ve confirmed professionals from these centers.

  • Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
  • Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
  • City of Hope Cancer Center, Duarte, California
  • Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
  • Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
  • Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York
  • New York University Clinical Cancer Center, New York City, New York
  • Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
  • Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California
  • UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
  • UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, San Diego, California
  • Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
  • University of California, San Francisco, California
  • University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
  • University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado
  • University of Connecticut Health Center, Storrs, Connecticut
  • University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
  • University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
  • VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
  • USC Ambulatory Care Health Center, Los Angeles, California
  • Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut

More speakers are being confirmed. Visit www.thyca.org often for conference updates and details.

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Low-Iodine Recipe of the Month
Contributed by Steve M. of Missouri

Salad Dressing and Ketchup Replacement

Very tasty, good for salads and fried potatoes

Ingredients

8 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 apple
1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
4 Tablespoons brown sugar

Directions

Measure ingredients into sauce pan and bring to boil then take off heat.

Steve writes: “New Thyroid Cancer patient; just had my first RAI Scan still on the diet. Thank you for the book.”

Editor’s Note: Thank you, Steve, for contributing your recipe. We will include your recipe in the next edition of ThyCa’s FREE Downloadable Low-Iodine Cookbook.

Free and Downloadable

Download the 7th edition of the Low-Iodine Cookbook in English for free, with more than 340 favorite recipes from more than 150 generous volunteers.

The Cookbook is also available in Spanish and French.

Please remember, while you’re welcome to download and print the entire free low-iodine cookbook, you can also print just the pages you need.

This free cookbook is a wonderful help when you’re preparing to receive radioactive iodine for treatment or testing. All the recipes are favorites of some of our ThyCa volunteers, who are sharing them with everyone, to make the low-iodine diet easy and tasty. The recipes are also great for family meals and for potlucks, any time.

If you’d like to contribute your favorite recipe or tip, send it to recipes@thyca.org.

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Follow ThyCa on Facebook and Twitter

http://www.facebook.com/pages/THYCA/231492537404?ref=mf

On Twitter, at ThyCaInc.

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Guestbook Is Free

Sign up for our Free Newsletter, or Update Your Contact Informationon our Guestbook page.

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Support the Rally for Research

Thanks to generous contributions and special fundraising events, ThyCa has awarded new thyroid cancer research grants every year starting in 2003. These grants support our goal of cures for all thyroid cancer and a future free of thyroid cancer. We will again award new research grants in 2011.

You’re invited to help support the Rally for Research. For details about the Rally for Research, donation opportunities, special events, Quarters for a Cure, and information about ThyCa’s past and future Research Grants, visit the Rally for Research page.

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Join Us, Become a Member

Help us sustain, strengthen, and extend our services. We invite you to become a member of ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.

Your membership dues will support ThyCa’s efforts to reach and serve other survivors and their families around the world. Members receive our quarterly Membership Messenger newsletter.

Membership is open to everyone worldwide. You may become a 1-year ThyCa member ($25), 2-year member ($45), or lifetime member ($225). For our online Membership Form and our mailed Membership Form, go to our Membership page.

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Every Day

Every day, thousands of people with thyroid cancer, and their families, receive support, education, and hope from ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. Your generous support is what makes it possible to sustain, strengthen, and expand our services and outreach.

It only takes a minute to make a donation online in support of ThyCa’s work (or you are welcome to donate by mail to ThyCa, P.O. Box 964, Chesterfield, MO 63006-0964), so click here to give.

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About ThyCa NEWS NOTES

Copyright (c) 2011 ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.

Please share ThyCa News Notes with your family and friends. For permission to reprint in another electronic or print publication, please contact us at publications@thyca.org.

The information in this newsletter is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended, nor should it be interpreted, as medical advice or directions of any kind. Readers are advised to consult their own medical doctor(s) for all matters involving their health and medical care.

Your suggestions for articles are welcome. The deadline for articles and news items is the first day of each month.

Thank you to our writing, editing, and proofreading team for this issue: Leah Guljord, David Myssiorek, M.D., Steve M., Pat Paillard, Barbara Status, Cherry Wunderlich, and Gary Bloom.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a national non- profit 501(c)(3) organization (tax ID #52-2169434) of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals. Contact us for free awareness materials and information about our free services and special events. E-mail to thyca@thyca.org, call toll-free at 1-877-588-7904, fax 1-630-604-6078, write PO Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102.