TerraBlogs.com | Informative And Engaging Blogs.

Home - health - Key Lifestyle Factors That Influence Thyroid Cancer

Key Lifestyle Factors that Influence Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer accounts for 4% of all newly diagnosed cancers across the country. This incidence has risen at a steady rate of 4.5 percent over the past 10 years. Symptoms that may indicate thyroid cancer include hoarseness, dysphagia or odynophagia, and adenopathy. However, adjusting lifestyle factors can significantly reduce the risk of thyroid cancer. Food and exercise are the essential pillars of preventing cancer and living a long, healthy life.

Factors that increase the risk of thyroid and other types of cancer in the body:

Insulin resistance is associated with a high risk of thyroid cancer.
Women are twice as likely to develop thyroid cancer than men.
Storage of excess fat in the body.
Head and neck radiation exposure, especially during childhood, significantly increases the risk for all thyroid cancers.
Increased fat mass around the thyroid gland.
Decreased muscle mass is associated with decreased recovery rates for many types of cancer.
Relatives of thyroid patients are ten times more likely to develop the condition.

The thyroid gland’s primary function is the production of T3 and T4 hormones that manage the body’s metabolism. The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research recommend the following general guidelines about food and fitness to minimize the risk of cancer:

Eat plenty of vegetables daily
Choose primarily whole grains
Include dried beans or legumes for protein
Limit processed meats and added sugars
Be physically active

To diagnose cancer, doctors use ultrasound to confirm the presence of thyroid nodules and cystic lesions. Suspicious lesions are further investigated with fine-needle aspiration biopsy. The levels of thyroid-stimulating hormones are also checked, along with thyroid scintigraphy for those with elevated hormone levels.
Those with medullar or anaplastic thyroid cancer may be recommended radiation and chemotherapy at first. However, the primary therapy for most thyroid cancers is a thyroidectomy. This is often followed by postoperative radiation to deal with any residual tissue and prevent metastasis. Lifelong thyroid hormone replacement is necessary for all those who undergo surgery.

Making changes to food habits to manage thyroid cancer
While there are no detailed prescriptive guidelines for managing food to prevent thyroid cancer and promote recovery post-treatment, the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Trial study recently answered this question. According to this research, a minimal impact of vegetable or fruit intake was noted on thyroid cancer. However, scientists did establish a link between cancer and the intake of juices.
Besides the EPIC trials, findings from the NIH-AARP suggest that eating vegetables regularly during adolescence can potentially increase protection against the development of thyroid cancer. This is due to the release of biologically active compounds like indoles and thiocyanates during food preparation and chewing. These food components promote better health by having antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties.

Reducing iodine intake
For those diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer (papillary, follicular, and poorly differentiated), lifestyle changes can improve the ability to get through treatment and recover. Experts popularly recommend reducing iodine intake temporarily. The goal is to make the thyroid glands “hungry” for iodine by temporarily eliminating as much of it as possible. The affected areas are then lit up during a scan and treated with radioactive iodine. Papillary thyroid cancer cells quickly absorb it, making way for more effective treatment.
A low-iodine plan requires the intake of 50 mg or less of iodine per day for about two weeks before a diagnostic procedure and up to 3 days after. One must avoid foods like fish, shellfish, seaweed, calcium supplements derived from oyster shells, iodized salt, egg yolks, dairy, blackstrap molasses, soy products, rhubarb, and bakery products made with iodized salt in the dough. Safe-to-eat foods include vegetables and fruits, nut butter, egg whites, fresh meats (less than 6 ounces per day), peeled sweet or regular potatoes, pasta, vegetable oils, whole grains, and salads with vinaigrette or other salt-free dressings.

Role of exercise in preventing thyroid cancer
While there isn’t any robust data that connects eating patterns with the development of thyroid cancer, the realm of exercise is more conclusive. According to experts at the American College of Sports Medicine, exercise reduces the risk of cancer by 10-20 percent and promises better survival rates for different types of cancer.
Experts also suggest that we might move towards a future where exercise can be specific and prescriptive in improving cancer incidence and outcomes. For example, aerobic activities such as interval training could prove to be most efficient, as it is excellent for managing insulin, controlling inflammation, and creating a metabolic profile less susceptible to cancer progression. It can also help decrease fat tissue, particularly the adipose tissue that collects around the thyroid gland and reduce cancerous conditions by regulating the production of hormones like estrogen and cortisol.
Adding resistance training to one’s workout regimen can also help increase muscle density and insulin sensitivity to improve the health and functionality of the cells in the body.

Identifying lifestyle patterns to reduce the risk of thyroid cancer
Since there was no reliable way of measuring evidence of lifestyle changes in thyroid cancer, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and True Health Initiative worked collectively to develop a method to allow researchers to evaluate the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions. This method is known as Hierarchies in Evidence Applied to Lifestyle as Medicine (HEALM). Experts believe that with the right research applications and using techniques suggested by HEALM, it is possible to design lifestyle interventions that decrease the risk of thyroid cancer and increase recovery rates.

Conclusion
Until advancements are made in the field, it is important to adopt practices that reduce the risk of developing chronic ailments such as diabetes and heart disease. Generally, such plans may favor eating plant-rich foods, avoiding red meats and added sugars, and replacing processed foods with whole grains.

Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

Bleeding disorders refer to a group of conditions like hemophilia or anemia that interfere with normal blood functions in the body. Hemophilia affects the ability of the blood cells to clot naturally, while anemia lowers hemoglobin count in the red blood cells. These conditions exhibit a unique set of symptoms that can be identified. Early diagnosis helps doctors form a viable healthcare plan. So, it pays to know and identify the following symptoms. Hemophilia and Anemia: Understanding the difference Both conditions are common bleeding disorders. However, anemia & hemophilia signs are distinctly different from each other when it comes to the disease progression. The latter is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cellâs ability to clot and close wounds. Certain clotting factors in the blood bind with the red blood cells to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells in the first place. Also, a low hemoglobin count affects the red blood cellâs ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and extremities via the circulatory system. Genetic mutation triggers most known types of hemophilia, while certain nutritional deficiencies in the body trigger common forms of anemia. Symptoms of hemophilia The absence of essential clotting factors in the blood can trigger a variety of noticeable and unusual symptoms. Uncontrolled bleeding Bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of hemophilia. It can happen under the skin or in the joints. As the red blood cells are unable to bind and clot, this pool of blood can trigger swelling, pain, and tightness in the joints. This symptom is most commonly noticeable in the knees, elbows, and ankles. Blood collecting under the skin can lead to buildups under the muscle and soft tissue to cause more painful bruising. This symptom is called hematoma in medical terminology. Frequent nosebleeds When the bleeding is triggered externally, it can result in frequent nosebleeds that can be difficult to stop. Note that external environmental factors and physical injuries generally cause nosebleeds. So, any unexplained bleeding could indicate a developing condition. Bleeding caused due to cuts, bruises, and vaccinations Lack of essential clotting factor VIII can trigger bleeding from the lightest of impacts, cuts, bruises, or even after losing a tooth. Some people experience sudden bleeding after taking a vaccination. This could be the bodyâs reaction to producing antibodies, but the strain could be too much to bear, resulting in bleeding from the extremities. Blood in urine or stool Excess blood in the urine or stool is a clear sign of disease progression. The urine and stools appear dark red or even blackish due to the presence of red blood cells mixed with the excreta. Immediate medical assistance is advisable for visual symptoms. Bleeding in infants Complicated pregnancies can be physically taxing for both the mother and the child leading to possible symptoms of hemophilia at birth. But in some rare cases, infants may experience internal bleeding in the head. Symptoms of anemia The most common types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia, develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, anemia exhibits more physically taxing symptoms as the condition worsens. Tiredness Increased fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason is one of the main indicators of nutritional deficiencies. An unexplained decrease in overall stamina with no physical exertion or any activity during the day could mean low iron in the blood. Without iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. And low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen is being circulated around vital organs in the body, thus resulting in fatigue induced by low energy levels. Respiratory symptoms Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, and even noticing an irregular heartbeat could indicate a possible anemic condition. An iron deficiency lowers hemoglobin count, and this means not enough oxygen is being circulated by the blood. Low hemoglobin affects the breathing rate as the body struggles to extract more oxygen resulting in shortness of breath. The heart must also put in extra efforts to pump the low hemoglobin blood forcefully, thus resulting in irregular heartbeats. Doctors refer to this condition as heart palpitations. These symptoms can also induce chest pains due to the sheer stress being put on the organ. Pale skin and damaged hair Skin and hair symptoms are visible indicators of a developing anemia condition. An iron deficiency results in low red blood cell production and indirectly affects the shade of the skin. Pale skin is noticeably visible around the face, gums, lower lips, lower eyelids, and even on the nails. This symptom is more visually obvious among people who flaunt a lighter skin tone. Also, hair thinning, hair fall, and a damaged scalp is a clear sign of iron deficiency. Treatment options Note that anemia & hemophilia signs never overlap. Once the primary indicators are confirmed, doctors quickly suggest blood tests to identify the leading causes or triggers. Knowing the differences can help with prompt diagnosis even though both the conditions are bleeding disorders. It is even possible to recover from common forms of anemia within 2 to 3 months. Hemophilia is a more serious bleeding disorder that is treated by introducing the missing clotting factors. Doctors also suggest prescriptions that help stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. However, a transfusion offers more promising results for moderate to severe progression. Effective preventive measures and home remedies can help lower the risk of bleeding. These conditions cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to improve the quality of life by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Prescriptions and treatments only help slow down the disease progression.

Top Tips to Find the Best Rheumatologists

Rheumatologists are experts in diagnosing and treating immune-related diseases such as arthritis. They treat patients with pain in joints, muscles, tendons, bones, or other connective tissue. These illnesses are complex, change over time, and are difficult to diagnose. Choosing the right specialist is critical for keeping the joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles healthy. A few factors to consider include insurance coverage, knowledge, and area of specialization. Here is some advice for choosing a rheumatologist. Tips for choosing a rheumatologist Get referrals A good doctor-patient relationship can greatly benefit the patient by creating a healthy communication channel for all health issues. This bond is built on open communication and mutual trust. One can start looking for a specialist in this area by starting with a list of references from the primary care physician. This list will likely include rheumatologists who can work closely with the primary care physician to coordinate therapy and care. Obtain referrals from loved ones, close friends, and other healthcare professionals. Consider experience level A specialist's experience is required when dealing with difficult, ambiguous, and severe rheumatic symptoms to maximize recovery. The more experience a specialist has with the condition or procedure, the better the treatment results are likely. Consider healthcare professionals who have extensive experience treating a wide range of illnesses. Inquire about the procedures performed by doctors, the rate of complications, and the best way to treat one's condition. Telehealth possibilities Depending on the circumstances, a healthcare provider can keep appointments and provide treatment by using communication tools such as smartphones, emails, and video calls. Inquire about the availability of the doctor for a few on-call appointments that do not require an in-person visit to the clinic. This allows patients to visit the hospital less frequently, reducing the difficulties and pain associated with commuting. Telehealth can also be used for routine check-ups and minor complaints, making it a viable option. Look for an approachable doctor The patient's level of comfort with the physician will heavily influence the course of treatment. During the initial consultation, assess the physician's responsiveness and approachability. Choose a specialist who welcomes all questions and inquiries and can provide the patient with a detailed analysis of their problem and treatment plan. Choose a rheumatologist who desires to get to know the patient, is aware of their treatment options, and will respect the patient's decisions. Look for credentials Examine the credentials of the doctor assisting the patient during treatment. Rheumatologists are dual board certified in internal medicine as well as rheumatology. Board certification is another important criterion, as it confirms that the physician has the necessary education, practical experience, and knowledge to provide rheumatology care. Also, make certain that the doctor has no history of malpractice claims or disciplinary actions. Important credential information, such as medical school, training hospital, certificates, malpractice history, and disciplinary history, can be found on many websites. Read reviews Feedback from other patients can be instrumental in determining a doctor's practice atmosphere and care. Patient reviews frequently reflect people's experiences with appointment scheduling, wait times, office environment, and friendliness. It can demonstrate how much a doctor is trusted and respected by their patients and the types of cases the doctor has successfully handled. These parameters can be extremely beneficial when making a treatment decision. Check insurance coverage It is critical to consider insurance coverage to avoid excessive out-of-pocket expenses. Consider the hospitals with the best credentials, expertise, results, and hospital quality among the options covered by the healthcare plan. Check the insurance policy to see if any additional add-ons are covered. Any additional charges can be costly and leave a significant financial dent, so choosing a physician from among the hospitals covered by the plan is preferable. Appointment timings Other practical factors to consider when choosing a doctor include the clinic's hours and location. Look for a hospital, clinic, or doctor in a convenient neighborhood close to your home that provides parking. Pick a clinic with convenient hours, evening or weekend hours, and the kind of emergency care offered then. Choose healthcare providers with welcoming staff, short wait times for appointments, and lab testing like x-rays and others. Keep health records ready Patients should maintain a personal health record (PHR) containing copies of test results, diagnoses, treatments, prescriptions, prior doctor contacts, family history, and other pertinent health data. Everyone should keep a personal health record (PHR), but it's especially important for people with long-term illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis. Having a PHR makes it much easier to explain illnesses, symptoms, and background information to a new doctor and speeds up the necessary start of treatment. Lifestyle tips for rheumatoid arthritis This condition significantly impacts sleep since pain makes falling asleep difficult, and lack of sleep and exhaustion can worsen the pain. It is critical to take treatments as prescribed, avoid caffeine late in the day, limit screen time before bed, exercise during the day, and follow the doctor's advice for a healthy sleep cycle. Consume nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and things with omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and olive oil. These foods can reduce overall inflammation levels in the body because of their anti-inflammatory properties. Reduce the intake of fast and highly processed foods as well, as these could worsen the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Stress can increase RA symptoms and impact a person's general health. There are a variety of stress reduction methods that can reduce tension and stress. Deep breathing, meditation, journaling, and exercise are all effective stress-reduction techniques. Gum disease may hasten the progression of RA, resulting in more severe bone and cartilage destruction. Eat healthily, brush and floss daily, and schedule routine dental examinations. When one has stiff, uncomfortable hands, dental health can be difficult. Consultation with a dentist or therapist for the same issue can help to relieve pain and symptoms.