This is a sponsored post. Please note that, as always, any personal opinions reflected in this post are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
Did you know that Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month is observed each September in the U.S.? It is. The annual observation was initiated by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association with the goals of raising awareness of the condition nationwide.
I have thyroid disease – it’s hypothyroidism (underactive), and is technically called Hashimodo’s disease. Whenever I see my ob/gyn and my regular doctor they check my neck to feel the size of my thyroid. It is enlarged, and did cause me to have a goiter. Recently the doctor told me the goiter had enlarged again, and he suggested I see a specialist about it. He felt at minimum an ultrasound would be in order. While I’m not in a panic about this, it did remind me of a woman that I used to work with that had to have her thyroid removed for some form of cancer. It also brought to mind something I recently read about a new community support group.
Just in time for Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, AstraZeneca recently launched a website and community for people with Advanced Medullary Thyroid Cancer, a rare form of cancer located in the thyroid gland at the base of the throat. In 2014 an estimated 62,900 new thyroid cancer cases will be diagnosed. Only three to four percent of those will be Medullary thyroid cancer. The aMTCSupport.com online resource center is designed to provide information and support specifically designed for people living with advanced medullary thyroid cancer and their loved ones.
I remember when I was sick, before lung surgery. I never would have made it through that time without support from some family and friends. I also had a lot of questions, which I ended up looking for answers to on the internet. The value of good information at a stressful time like that is priceless. Rob Bohning (shown above), who is living with advanced medullary thyroid cancer, is the type of person that aMTCSupport.com aims to provide information and resources. “When people are diagnosed with aMTC, they don’t know how to begin coping with a disease about which they know so little,” said Bohning. “Having an understanding of how others navigate some of the hurdles associated with this rare disease can be both comforting and motivating.”
Resources currently available on aMTCSupport.com include first-person videos and information to help viewers navigate common challenges that they may encounter during the medullary thyroid cancer journey. Given some of the unique situations faced by caregivers of those living with aMTC, aMTCSupport.com also provides resources tailored to their needs. AstraZeneca plans to update aMTCSupport.com on an ongoing basis to include additional educational materials and support tools.
“Our hope is that the resources available on the website will further empower those on their journey with aMTC to live their lives as well as possible,” said Gregory Keenan, MD, Vice President Medical Affairs and U.S. Head Medical Officer, AstraZeneca
pat. marsden
Sunday 28th of September 2014
Thyroid problems are often female facial. When faced with medical problems and issues, I discuss thoroughly with my physician, read pamphlets, google online, and get a second professional opinion for the BIG things.