Thyroid Cancer Diagnoses Predicted To Set New Record in 2008

ThyCa Urges Early Detection Through Neck Checks

  • Thyroid cancer, one of the few cancers that is increasing in incidence, is expected to reach a new record of 37,340 people newly diagnosed in the United States in 2008, reports ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association.
       
  • This record total is more than 11 percent higher than last year’s record numbers, and about double the number from 10 years ago, according to information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Cancer Society.
       
  • Thyroid cancer is now the 6th most common cancer in women. About three times as many women as men get thyroid cancer. It has several types and variants,. It affects people in all age groups, from young children through senior citizens.
       
  • Thyroid cancer is usually treatable when found early.
       
  • A total of 28,410 women and 8,930 men are expected to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer this year. The number of deaths is expected to increase by almost 4% over last year, to 1,590 in 2008.
       
  • ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. urges everyone to learn about thyroid cancer and to ask for a neck check at each doctor’s appointment.
       
  • Help raise awareness for early detection. E-mail us at thyca@thyca.org to get free materials, or call 877-588-7904, or download free awareness flyers from our Raise Awareness page. • ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals, dedicated to education, communication, support, awareness for early detection, and thyroid cancer research fundraising and research grants.
       
  • For free awareness materials and more information about thyroid cancer and ThyCa’s free year-round support services, education, and publications, e-mail to thyca@thyca.org, call toll-free 1-877-588-7904, write to PO Box 1545, New York, NY 10159-1545, or visit the website.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc., is pleased to announce the start of a new thyroid cancer support group in Wisconsin.

The free ThyCa Fox Cities Support Group will meet on the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., starting Tuesday, March 11, 2008, in the Community Room of Parkside Luxury Apartments, 3101 East Northshore Boulevard, Appleton, Wisconsin.

The monthly meetings are free and open to people at all phases of testing, treatment, and follow-up for thyroid cancer, as well as their family members and friends.

Tina Higgins and Susan Yokers, the facilitators of the ThyCa Fox Cities, Wisconsin, Group, invite thyroid cancer patients, families, and friends to attend meetings. To find out more about the new group, contact Tina Higgins by phone at 920-687-1555, or Susan Yokers at 920-740-9795, or e-mail to FoxCities-WI@thyca.org.

The thyroid cancer support group, along with more than 60 other ThyCa support groups, has its own web page on the support groups section of the ThyCa web.

Many more free services are also sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc., a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization of thyroid cancer survivors, families, and health care professionals, advised by internationally recognized thyroid cancer specialists.

For more information about ThyCa’s free year-round support services, education, publications, and awareness materials, as well as regional workshops and the annual International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference, e-mail to thyca@thyca.org, call toll-free 1-877-588-7904, write to PO Box 1545, New York, NY 10159-1545 USA, or visit the ThyCa web site.

Florida’s newest thyroid cancer support group will hold its first monthly meeting on Saturday, March 8, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Wellness Community, 3900 Clark Rd., Building P-3, Sarasota, Florida, ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc., has announced. The ThyCa Manasota Thyroid Cancer Support Group will continue meeting on the second Saturday morning each month.

Meetings are free and open to people at all phases of testing, treatment, and follow-up for thyroid cancer, as well as their family members and friends.

Shawna Machado is the group’s volunteer facilitator. For more information, contact her at Manasota-FL@thyca.org or 941-587-3677 or visit the group’s web page.

Free thyroid cancer support groups are also available in other Florida communities, in other states coast to coast in the United States, and in Costa Rica and Philippines.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a national nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization of thyroid cancer survivors, families, and health care professionals, advised by internationally recognized thyroid cancer specialists.

For more information about ThyCa’s free year-round support services, education, publications, and special events, e-mail to thyca@thyca.org, call toll-free 1-877-588-7904, write to PO Box 1545, New York, NY 10159-1545 USA, or visit the ThyCa web site.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is pleased to announce that the ThyCa Wilmington, NC, Support Group will meet on the first Tuesday each month from noon to 1:00 p.m. starting on Tuesday, March 4, 2008. The meetings are held at the American Cancer Society Building, Suite 111, 2202 Wrightsville Avenue, Wilmington, North Carolina.

This free support group welcomes people at all phases of testing, treatment, and follow-up for thyroid cancer, as well as their family members and friends.

Virginia Cokor is the Wilmington group’s volunteer facilitator. For more information, e-mail Wilmington-NC@thyca.org, call Virginia Cokor at 910-270-5137 or visit the group’s web page.

Free thyroid cancer support groups are available, as well as coast to coast in the United States, and in Costa Rica and Philippines. 

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a national nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization of thyroid cancer survivors, families, and health care professionals, advised by internationally recognized thyroid cancer specialists.

For more information about ThyCa’s free year-round support services, education, publications, and special events, e-mail to thyca@thyca.org, call toll-free 1-877-588-7904, write to PO Box 1545, New York, NY 10159-1545 USA, or visit the ThyCa web site.

In This Issue

Thyroid Cancer Diagnoses Predicted To Set Another New Record in 2008

ThyCa Urges Early Detection Through Neck Checks

  • Thyroid cancer, one of the few cancers that is increasing in incidence, is expected to reach a new record of 37,340 people newly diagnosed in the United States in 2008, reports ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association.
       
  • This record total is more than 11 percent higher than last year’s record numbers, and about double the number from 10 years ago, according to information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Cancer Society.
       
  • Thyroid cancer is now the 6th most common cancer in women. About three times as many women as men get thyroid cancer. It has several types and variants. It affects people in all age groups, from young children through senior citizens.
       
  • Thyroid cancer is usually treatable when found early.
       
  • A total of 28,410 women and 8,930 men are expected to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer this year. The number of deaths is expected to increase by almost 4% over last year, to 1,590 in 2008.
       
  • ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. urges everyone to learn about thyroid cancer and to ask for a neck check at each doctor’s appointment.
       
  • Help raise awareness for early detection. E-mail us at thyca@thyca.org to get free materials, or call 877-588-7904, or download free awareness flyers from our Raise Awareness page. • ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals, dedicated to education, communication, support, awareness for early detection, and thyroid cancer research fundraising and research grants.

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New Local Support Groups Start Meeting

Manasota/Sarasota, Florida
This group meets the second Saturday of each month from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at The Wellness Community, 3900 Clark Road, Building P3, Sarasota, Florida.. Their first meeting will be held on March 8, 2008. The volunteer facilitator and contact person is Shawna Machado (Manasota-FL@thyca.org) or call 941-587-3677).

Indianapolis, Indiana
This new group meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. starting March 26, 2008. Contact the volunteer facilitator, Michelle Irwin at Indianapolis-IN@thyca.org or 317-517-3997.

Wilmington, North Carolina
This group meets the first Tuesday of each month from Noon to 1 p.m., starting with the March 4, 2008 meeting at The American Cancer Society Building, Suite 111, 2202 Wrightsville Avenue, Wilmington, North Carolina. The volunteer facilitator and contact person is Virginia Cokor (Wilmington-NC@thyca.org or 910-270-5137).

Appleton/Fox Cities, Wisconsin
This new group meets on the second Tuesday of every month from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. starting March 11, 2008. Contact the volunteer facilitator, Tina Higgins at 920-687-1555 or Susan Yokers or 920-740-9795 or e-mail FoxCities-WI@thyca.org.
Fox Cities, Wisconsin meets on the second Tuesday of every month starting March 11.

Central Missouri
Sandy Triplett, (volunteer facilitator), formerly co-facilitator of the ThyCa St. Louis Support Group, offers support by phone and e-mail (573-345-0103 or Central-MO@thyca.org).

ThyCa welcomes these new support groups.

For details about the group nearest you, contact (toll-free) 1-877-588-7904.

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Spanish Edition of Thyroid Cancer Reference Book Now Available

Just published in a Spanish edition with review by Spanish-speaking medical experts, is “Thyroid Cancer: A Guide for Patients” edited by thyroid cancer physician specialists Douglas Van Nostrand, M.D., and Leonard Wartofsky, M.D. and by thyroid cancer survivor Gary Bloom.

Numerous distinguished thyroid cancer experts wrote this in-depth reference book on thyroid cancer for patients and their caregivers. The book is available from ThyCa as well as in bookstores such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble. The proceeds from all book orders placed through ThyCa benefit our free support services, outreach and early detection programs, and thyroid cancer research grants.

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Free Downloadable Materials in Spanish

Fact Sheets, Low-Iodine Recipes, and more
Call us toll-free at 1-877-588-7904

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Free Spring Workshops!

Free workshops to be held are:

  • The Texas/Southwest Thyroid Cancer Survivor’s 2nd Annual Workshop
    will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2008, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Dallas, Texas.
  • The Chicago/Midwest Thyroid Cancer Public Education Symposium
    will be held in Chicago, Illinois, on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • The Vermont/New England Thyroid Cancer Public Education Symposium
    will be held in Stowe, Vermont, on Saturday, May 3, 2008 (times to be announced) in connection with the Stowe Weekend of Hope.
  • The Mid-Atlantic Thyroid Cancer Survivor’s 7th Annual Workshop
    will be held in Falls Church, Virginia (near Washington, DC, and I-495) on
    Saturday, May 10, 2008, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Look for the details in future issues of the Newsletter, and on the conferences page of our web site or call us toll-free at 1-877-588-7904.

Mark the Dates!
The 11th Conference

The 11th International Thyroid Cancer Survivor’s Conference will be held from October 17-19, 2008, in St. Louis, Missouri at the Sheraton Park Plaza. Download the flyer and share it with family and friends – get the word out! We look forward to seeing you there. Don’t miss it!

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Free Packets for New Patients

Packets for Newly Diagnosed Patients or Patients new to ThyCa are free. Just send your name and address to thyca@thyca.org. The packets include the following:

  • Thyroid Cancer Awareness Brochure featuring actress Catherine Bell
  • Thyroid Cancer Fact Sheet
  • “Do You Have Thyroid Cancer” Brochure
  • ThyCa Patient Services Information wallet card
  • Local Support Group list
  • Know Your Pills Information Sheet
  • Low Iodine Diet Guidelines
  • ThyCa Resources List
  • Events Preview
  • and more.

Become an informed patient; send for your packet today.

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Why ThyCa—Thoughts in Journal Formatby Sonya Gordon, San Francisco, California

December 22, 2007 — I got the ThyCa newsletter and reflected on why I joined ThyCa.

When I got home from the October conference, I thought maybe I didn’t need to attend conferences. After all, I’ve been fine for 11 years.

And then it hit me. My doctor sent me for an ultrasound of a nodule seen 2 years ago but not mentioned. This time it was slightly larger and slightly changed. The radiologist recommended a biopsy… Although the doctor says this is “just in case” and is not worried, you know how it hits you. I googled myself silly.

Then I looked at the Conference program. If the conference were tomorrow, all my questions would be covered and answered. I WILL attend all Thyca ThyCa conferences as long as I am able. There are new discoveries every day .Did you know recurrence can occur decades after surgery and ablation?

I sent in a volunteer form. Count me in, especially if I dodge this bullet.

December 26, 2007–My research told me something that no doctor ever mentioned. It can recur DECADES after the first surgery and ablation. All the questions I researched would have been answered on a one-to-one basis if I had known enough to ask them at the conference. The subjects WERE covered.

Although my doctor is very upbeat about this, a fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is always scary.

Hope I can help for many years.

January 22, 2008 — After waiting 5 weeks for a FNAB and 5 days for results, I was diagnosed with an enlarged, but benign lymph node, which will be followed. I won’t let them make me wait 5 weeks again.

I will attend the conference in St. Louis armed with many questions.

Anything I can do to help ThyCa.

Editor’s Response – Yes, ThyCa is a great resource! I believe that all ThyCa members are glad they joined. I know I am. ThyCa arms you with the information you need to be an informed patient. At last year’s conference the speakers even mentioned that “WE” are the experts and not “THEM”.. With ThyCa on our side, we are! Thank you very much for volunteering for ThyCa, and for helping it to be there for all of us.

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Low-Iodine Recipe of the MonthA Tasty Vegetable Dish
Contributed by Sherry S.

CONFETTI RICE BAKE
1 1/8 cup white rice
2 teaspoons salt (non-iodized/non-sea salt)
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
2 cups water
2 cups chicken broth (homemade or no-salt)
1-1/2 cups mixed vegetables
2 Tablespoons Fleischman’s or Mother’s unsalted margarine

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray or grease a 9″ x 13″ size or similar-sized casserole with lid.
  • In saucepan, heat the water and broth. Add salt and pepper. Add rice and stir. Add veggies and stir. Pour into casserole and cover.
  • Bake 15 minutes at 400 degrees; then reduce temperature to 350 degrees and bake for 30 additional minutes or until rice is tender. Cut up margarine and stir into rice until melted. Fluff and serve.
  • If you want to use brown rice, add approximately 2/3 cup additional water and cook the rice and broth for about 10 minutes before putting into casserole and the oven.

*You can also add some chicken breast on top of the rice and it will be a complete meal.
*I sometimes like to use 4 cups broth (no water) for a stronger chicken flavor.
**I consider this comfort food, and it is easy, too—one of my requirements when cooking while hypo.

Thank you, Sherrie! Your recipe will be added to the next edition of the FREE Downloadable Low-Iodine Cookbook. Download the cookbook, with more than 250 favorite recipes from more than 200 generous volunteers.

Invitation! Send your favorite recipe to recipes@thyca.org, for a future newsletter and the cookbook’s next edition.

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From the Editor….JUST A NOTE:
Catherine Bell, actress, and the thyroid cancer survivor on the ThyCa brochure, has just made a movie for the Hallmark Channel entitled, “The Good Witch.” I saw it and liked it very much. You might want to watch it. It’s a good movie. It also shows us that thyroid cancer survivors do survive and look darn good doing it. Check your local listings. Enjoy!

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From the Mailbox…
E-mails to thyca@thyca.org

Colorado…Thank you for making so much information available at a time in my life with this new challenge ahead of me.

West Virginia…I would like to request a free packet for my daughter who has thyroid cancer – she’s 19. The cookbook has been so helpful to us!

Arizona…I am so happy to discover your organization . . . as I sit here, rubber gloved at my computer and in my second day of RAI. Upon coming across the very amusing poetry, I just wept. It’s not that I wish this on anyone else, but “hypo hell” certainly describes it – especially the insomnia part. That’s been the most difficult. I’d like to request your new patient packet before I go dispose of my tear-stained gloves.

Texas…I thank you for this information as well as that on your website. This is such a confusing position to be in and your articles have surely helped me to sort through it all.

New York…Thank you for all you do. Your LID cookbook helped get me through a very difficult time.

California…This website has been a lifesaver.

Ohio…I have found your site very informative and helpful. I have had to be on a low iodine diet for the past week before my I-131 treatment. The cookbook is a great help.

New York…This site has been a big help!

California….Blessings to you and thanks for being there.

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Want To Help?

Here are four ways:

  • Volunteer
  • Raise Awareness—Get Free Materials
  • Become a Member
  • Donate

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ThyCa NEWS NOTES
Copyright (c) 2008 ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.

Thank you to Pat Paillard, Editor and Contributor, and the writers, editors, and proofreaders for this issue: Gary Bloom, Sara Brenner, Sonya Gordon, Sherrie S., and Cherry Wunderlich.

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

We invite you to send News Notes to your family and friends. For permission to reprint in another electronic or print publication, please contact us.

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. We are dedicated to support, education, and communication for thyroid cancer survivors, their families and friends, as well as to public awareness for early detection, treatment, and lifetime health monitoring, and to thyroid cancer research fundraising and research grants.

Contact us for free awareness materials and information about our free services and special events. E-mailthyca@thyca.org, call 1-877-588-7904, fax 1-630-604-6078, write PO Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102, or visit the website.

Cheryl Ambroza, M.P.T., M.S., Certified MDT, Physical Therapist, will be the featured speaker at the ThyCa Baltimore, Maryland Thyroid Cancer Support Group meeting on Saturday, February 9, 2008, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon at the Cancer Institute at Sinai Hospital, 2402 West Belvedere Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland.

She will speak and answer questions on “How Physical Therapy Can Facilitate Your Recovery.”

The meeting is free and open to everyone interested in thyroid cancer, meeting other thyroid cancer survivors and caregivers, and the potential role of physical therapy.

Cheryl Ambroza is a physical therapist at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Baltimore. She received her Master of Physical Therapy degree in 1998 from Old Dominion University. She is certified through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies to perform complete decongestive therapy on patients with lymphedema. Her clinical experience also focuses on outpatient orthopedics related to therapy of the spine and extremities.She has published articles providing clinical guidance to others on such topics as tennis elbow, taping techniques and radiating neck pain.

For meeting details and directions, contact Vanda White, the Baltimore group’s facilitator, at Baltimore-MD@thyca.org or visit the group’s web page.

Free thyroid cancer support groups are available coast to coast in the United States, and in Costa Rica and Philippines.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a national nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization of thyroid cancer survivors, families, and health care professionals, advised by internationally recognized thyroid cancer specialists.

For more information about ThyCa’s free year-round support services, education, publications, and special events, e-mail to thyca@thyca.org, call toll-free 1-877-588-7904, write to PO Box 1545, New York, NY 10159-1545 USA, or visit the ThyCa web site.

The first thyroid cancer support group in Indiana will hold its first monthly meeting in Indianapolis on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at The Wellness Community, 5150 West 71st Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, announced Sara Brenner, Director of Support Group Development for ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.

The ThyCa Indianapolis Thyroid Cancer Support Group will meet on the fourth Wednesday evening each month from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Meetings are free and open to people at all phases of testing, treatment, and follow-up for thyroid cancer, as well as their family members and friends.

Michelle Irwin is the volunteer facilitator of the new support group. For more information, e-mail her at Indianapolis-IN@thyca.org or call 317-517-3997 or visit the group’s web page.

Free thyroid cancer support groups are available coast to coast in the United States, and in Costa Rica and Philippines.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a national nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization of thyroid cancer survivors, families, and health care professionals, advised by internationally recognized thyroid cancer specialists.

For more information about ThyCa’s free year-round support services, education, publications, and special events, e-mail to thyca@thyca.org, call toll-free 1-877-588-7904, write to PO Box 1545, New York, NY 10159-1545 USA, or visit the ThyCa web site.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is pleased to announce that the ThyCa Denver Support Group will now meet on the third Monday evening each month from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. beginning Monday, March 17, 2008. The meetings are held at the Montclair Recreation Center, 729 Ulster Way, Denver, Colorado.

Meetings are free and open to people at all phases of testing, treatment, and follow-up for thyroid cancer, as well as their family members and friends.

Jo Marie Bushell and Carol Condit are the Denver group’s volunteer facilitators. For more information, e-mail denver-co@thyca.org, call Jo Marie Bushell at 303-478-7802 or Carol Condit 303-388-9948 or visit the group’s web page.

Free thyroid cancer support groups are available in Pueblo, Colorado, as well as coast to coast in the United States, and in Costa Rica and Philippines.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. is a national nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization of thyroid cancer survivors, families, and health care professionals, advised by internationally recognized thyroid cancer specialists.

For more information about ThyCa’s free year-round support services, education, publications, and special events, e-mail to thyca@thyca.org, call toll-free 1-877-588-7904, write to PO Box 1545, New York, NY 10159-1545 USA, or visit the ThyCa web site.

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc., is pleased to announce the formation of its tenth e-mail support group to meet specific needs of people whose lives have been touched by thyroid cancer.

The Childbearing and Thyroid Cancer Support Group brings together women and men of childbearing age who are coping with issues related to childbearing during testing, treatment, and follow-up for thyroid cancer.

The group description notes, “We discuss fertility, pregnancy, maternity, childbearing, and being parents. We share our experiences, strength, and hope. We offer each other understanding and encouragement. We share tips for what has helped us cope with the challenges we experience. We do not give medical advice.”

This free support group is available 24 hours a day to people worldwide. Instructions for joining the group are on the ThyCa web site in the Find Support section, linked at the left side of the Home Page.

ThyCa also has nine other free e-mail support groups: Thyroid Cancer (for papillary and follicular thyroid cancer); Advanced Thyroid Cancer (for people coping with metastatic papillary and follicular thyroid cancer); Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer; Medullary Thyroid Cancer; Pediatric Thyroid Cancer; Long-Term Survivors; Caregivers; Love, Loss, and Legacy; and ThyCa Mental Challenges. ThyCa volunteers also facilitate a live online thyroid cancer mutual support group on Monday evenings.

For information about thyroid cancer, free support services and publications, free regional workshops, and the annual International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference, contact ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc., a nonprofit organization of thyroid cancer survivors, family members, and health care professionals. Call toll-free 1-877-588-7904, e-mail to thyca@thyca.org, or visit ThyCa’s web site.

In This Issue

ThyCa To Award New Research Grants in 2008

In 2008, for the sixth year in a row, ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. will award new grants for thyroid cancer research, ThyCa Executive Director Gary Bloom has announced.

Each grant will be for 2 years. One grant will support research on follicular-cell-derived thyroid cancer, including papillary, follicular, anaplastic, and variants. The other grant will support research on medullary thyroid cancer.

The ThyCa Research grants are open to all researchers and institutions worldwide. An independent expert panel of the American Thyroid Association (ATA) will select the grant recipients. ATA is the professional association of clinicians and researchers concerned with thyroid diseases.

The Call for Proposals and eligibility requirements are available on the ATA web site on this page: http://thyroid.org/professionals/education/grants_thyca.html. The deadline for submission of a proposal summary to the ATA is January 31, 2008. The ATA Research Committee will rank proposals according to their scientific merit. ATA will notify the authors of selected proposals by early March and will invite them to submit complete grant applications.

“Research offers hope for finding cures for all types of thyroid cancer, and more thyroid cancer research is urgently needed. We greatly appreciate the ATA’s support in our research grant process,” said ThyCa Executive Director Gary Bloom. “We are grateful to all our generous donors and volunteers for making these grants possible.”

The ThyCa grants, begun in 2003, are the first-ever thyroid cancer research grants to be funded entirely by thyroid cancer patients, caregivers, and friends.

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ThyCa News Nuggets

Indiana’s First Support Group. Welcome to our new support group in Indianapolis, Indiana. And thank you to Michelle Irwin for starting the group. The group meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month. The first meeting will be the evening of March 26.

Denver Support Group Sets 2008 Meeting Schedule. Welcome to the facilitators Jo Marie Bushell and Carol Condit of the Denver, Colorado, Support Group, now meeting on the third Monday evening each month.

Baltimore Support Group To Hear Guest Speaker at February 9th Meeting. “How Physical Therapy Can Facilitate Your Recovery” will be the topic at the February meeting of the Baltimore, Maryland, Support Group. Speaker will be Cheryl Ambroza, physical therapist at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Baltimore.

Dozens of Groups Meet Each Month. Support group meetings are wonderful ways to meet others in your area, discuss thyroid cancer face to face, and hear and share your experiences and coping tips. Each group has its own web page.

Want To Start a Group in Your Area? ThyCa will help you. E-mail Sara Brenner, ThyCa’s Director of Support Group Development: at support_coord@thyca.org.

Childbearing and Thyroid Cancer—New ThyCa E-mail Support Group.
We’re pleased to announce the start of our tenth e-mail support group to meet specific needs of people whose lives have been touched by thyroid cancer. The Childbearing and Thyroid Cancer Support Group brings together women and men of childbearing age who are coping with issues related to childbearing and being parents during testing, treatment, and follow-up for thyroid cancer. ThyCa volunteers Peggy Melton and Jennifer Fryns are the moderators. This free support group is available 24 hours a day to people worldwide.

Mark the Dates and Plan to Attend!

  • The 7th Annual Mid-Atlantic Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Workshop
    Saturday, May 10, 2008. Falls Church, Virginia (near Washington, DC, and I-495) 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. FREE. Physician Speakers, Survivor/Caregiver Roundtables, and More. Sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.
  • More Spring Workshops Being Planned!
  • The 11th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference. October 17-19, 2008. St. Louis, Missouri at the Sheraton Westport.

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Being in a Clinical Trial: A Patient’s PerspectiveBy Patti Malloy, Ohio
From an article to be added to the web site.

Some Questions To Ask Before Entering a Clinical Trial

The Study

  • 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?
  • How long will the study last?
  • What will my responsibilities be if I participate?
  • What is the protocol if I’m part of the control group instead of the clinical trial?

Possible Risks and Benefits

  • What are my possible short-term benefits?
  • What are my possible long-term benefits?
  • What are my short-term risks, such as side effects?
    What are my possible long-term risks?
  • What other (treatment) options do people with my risk level or type of cancer have?
  • How do the possible risks and benefits of this trial compare with those options?

Participation and Care

  • What kinds of therapies, procedures and/or tests will I have during the trial?
  • Will they hurt, and if so, for how long?
  • How do the tests in the study compare with those I would have outside of the trial?
  • Will I be able to take my regular medications while in the clinical trial
  • Where will I have my medical care?
  • Who will be in charge of my care?

Personal Issues

  • How could being in this study affect my daily life?
  • Can I talk to other people in the study?

Cost Issues

  • Will I have to pay for any part of the trial such as tests or the study drug?
  • If so, what will the charges likely be?
  • What is my health insurance likely to cover?
  • Who can help answer any questions from my insurance company or health plan?
  • Will there be any travel or child care costs that I need to consider while I am in the trial?

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Clinical Trials: Thoughts from a Patient and CaregiverBy Clayton and Rose Twigg
From an article to be added to ThyCa’s web site. Clayton, a 10-year survivor of anaplastic thyroid cancer, and Rose have also contributed to the Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer web site.

There are several types of clinical trials:Prevention trials, Screening trials, Diagnostic trials, Treatment trials, Supportive Care or Quality of Life, Genetic Studies.

  • Participation in a clinical trial is a very individual choice and because it is your choice, you may choose to leave the study at any time for any reason.
  • Since there is much to be considered, you may want to discuss the decision with family and friends. Also consider getting a second medical opinion about where you are in your treatment, whether you should consider participating in a clinical trial, and, this specific clinical trial.
  • Though your main concern may be, how do risks, side effects and possible benefits compare to current available treatment, no less important is how participation may impact daily life:
    • How often must I see the doctor / receive treatment / come in for testing?
    • How long will I be in the study if I stay until completion?
    • Will I be hospitalized to receive treatment?
    • Who pays for the treatment – does the study sponsor or insurance cover some or all of the cost?
    • What expenses are my / my insurance company’s responsibility, might I be reimbursed for some?
    • What are the benefit and the risks?
  • Informed Consent is the process by which you agree to participate in a clinical trial after having had the purpose, treatment and testing procedures, risks and benefits explained to you.
  • You may want to have a family member or friend with you during the consent process. Much information will be shared; two pairs of ears are better than one.
  • Informed Consent will be conducted in the following manner. It should:
    • take place without undue influence or pressure from the study staff, – allow subjects time to consider the research before signing the consent,
    • be conducted in a private place and manner,
    • be conducted with words understandable to subjects & written at an 8th grade reading level
    • allow subjects the opportunity to ask questions
    • allow the subject to take home an unsigned copy of the consent form to be shared with family/friends prior to enrollment if he/she so chooses
    • provide a certified translator for those who are non English speaking in the subject’s first language

Once enrolled, you will be given a signed & dated copy of the consent form for your records. Consent forms will vary depending upon several factors, including disease site & disease stage, intervention proposed and individual Institutional Review Boards (IRB).

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Clinical Trial News: XL184 for Medullary Thyroid Cancer

ThyCa shares news of new clinical trials for the rare types of thyroid cancers (medullary and anaplastic), and also links to complete lists of all thyroid cancer clinical trials, plus background information for patients, on our web site’s Clinical Trials section.

XL184-001, a study of XL184 in adults with advanced malignancies is currently active and is recruiting participants.

The purpose of this study is to determine the best and safest dose of XL184 administered orally. XL184 is a new chemical entity that inhibits VEGFR2, MET, and RET, kinases implicated in tumor formation, growth, and migration.

At least 20 patients with Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC) will be enrolled at the maximum tolerated dose to evaluate the effect of XL184 in this population.

Contacts and Locations

This trial, XL184-001, is active at the following locations:-

  • University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
    Contact: Linda Janisch, R.N. ljanisch@medicine.bsd.uchicago.edu
    Principal Investigator: Ravi Salgia, M.D.
  • MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
    Contact: Michelle Purdom 713-794-5177
    Principal Investigator: Razelle Kurzrock, M.D.

Activation is planned at the following locations:

  • Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    Contact: Roger Cohen, MD 215-728-4300
  • John Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York

For additional information, please refer to ClinicalTrials.gov.

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Clinical Trials: More Information from ThyCa

Current clinical trials open to thyroid cancer patients:

Background information for patients and caregivers, information about some trials for rare thyroid cancer, plus links to all the thyroid cancer clinical trials in the databases of the National Cancer Institute and the American Thyroid Association.

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Low-Iodine Recipe of the MonthFor the temporary low-iodine diet when preparing to receive radioactive iodine.

FRANCES’S BROWNIES

INGREDIENTS

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt (non-iodized, not sea salt)
1 cup water
1 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Pour in water, vegetable oil and vanilla; mix until well blended. Spread evenly in a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until the top is no longer shiny. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares.

Contributed by Frances P. of Maryland

Thank you, Frances! Your recipe will be added to the next edition of the FREE Downloadable Low-Iodine Cookbook. Download the cookbook, with more than 250 favorite recipes from more than 200 generous volunteers.

Invitation! Send your favorite recipe to recipes@thyca.org, for a future newsletter and the cookbook’s next edition.

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Want To Help?

Here are four ways:

  • Volunteer
  • Become a Member
  • Donate
  • Raise Awareness

ThyCa NEWS NOTES
Copyright (c) 2008 ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.

Thank you to the writers, editors, and proofreaders for this issue: Gary Bloom, Patti Malloy, Frances P., Clayton Twigg, Rose Twigg, and Cherry Wunderlich.

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

We invite you to send News Notes to your family and friends. For permission to reprint in another electronic or print publication, please contact us.

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. We are dedicated to support, education, and communication for thyroid cancer survivors, their families and friends, as well as to public awareness for early detection, treatment, and lifetime health monitoring, and to thyroid cancer research fundraising and research grants.

Contact us for free awareness materials and information about our free services and special events. E-mailthyca@thyca.org, call 1-877-588-7904, fax 1-630-604-6078, write PO Box 1102, Olney, MD 20830-1102, or visit www.thyca.org.