How the overuse of this thyroid cancer treatment is putting patients at risk

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5 July 2011 UK Edition Dear Reader, I think I've figured out the rules of treating thyroid cancer — it looks like it all comes down to organizing cases into two categories. 1. For late-stage, high-risk thyroid cancer, use radioactive iodine, a risky and dangerous treatment that helps prevent the cancer from coming back after surgery. 2. For early-stage, low-risk thyroid cancer, use radioactive iodine, a risky and dangerous treatment for which no evidence of benefit to low-risk patients exists. Hold on a second here... There has to be something wrong with my notes... Nope, it's all right there. Never mind the guidelines from the American Thyroid Association stating that radioactive iodine should be used selectively only in patients with intermediate and high-risk thyroids. Mainstream doctors are continuing to treat low-risk patients with radioactive iodine, which doesn't increase survival chances but does increase the risk of secondary cancer and harm other body tissues. It's like having a sniper with a clear shot at a gunman in the middle of a shopping mall — and deciding to take him out with a grenade instead. In other words, it's a misguided, irresponsible, and devastating decision. A recent study published in the journal Cancer reveals that, out of 37,000 cases of thyroid cancer diagnosed between 1973 and 2007, 15,000 patients were treated with radioactive iodine. Twenty per cent of those people developed secondary cancers in the follow-up period. At the beginning of the study period, only 3 per cent of people with low-risk tumours were treated with the dangerous drug. By 2007, though, that number had shot to 38 per cent. Cancer of the salivary gland (radioactive iodine may gather there) and leukaemia (radioactive iodine circulates in the blood, exposing bone marrow to the poison) were more common in treated patients. And the kicker is that there has been no benefit shown for treating low-risk patients with radioactive iodine — not even a "tiny one." Yet doctors just keep on using it, even on patients showing microscopic evidence of thyroid cancer. And the most likely reason for this is pretty frightening. The lead researcher on the study says it's most likely because treating physicians have a "lack of understanding." Yep, a lack of understanding. That really describes who you want treating your CANCER, doesn't it? Even more frightening? Despite the findings, experts are saying they don't know that the problem will be solved anytime soon, as doctors are reluctant to change their practice. In the meantime, the best thing you can do is to always be vigilant — take a lead role in your health care. Ask questions. Inform yourself. Ask your doctor to explain the balance between potential benefits and risks before beginning a treatment. Continues below... 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My doctor said she didn't know and that Western medicine doesn't address the question; it only attempts to replace the missing iron with prescription iron. I am currently taking that prescription and my iron levels are very, very slowly responding. I feel I may be missing an important angle on this rather debilitating problem. My doctor says that 85 per cent of her patients are low iron. Why are we not asking WHY? Dr. Jonathan V. Wright: "We" in mainstream medicine have forgotten the major "why" of this, which was actually quite well known to nearly all doctors in the 19th century. And the reason why they're not looking to re-discover it is because it doesn't involve the use of any patent medicine! In the 19th century, individuals who didn't absorb iron well were often advised to sip dilute hydrochloric acid through a glass straw (used to try to protect the teeth from being etched by the hydrochloric acid) to improve the absorbability of iron. It usually worked. Between 1976 and 2007, I've advised every individual with iron absorption problems to have a gastric analysis, and the results have shown that the large majority have had low stomach acid. Fortunately, glass straws have been replaced by capsules containing hydrochloric acid and pepsin (which is an acid-activated protein-digesting gastric enzyme). Not only does this improve absorption of supplemental iron, but it also helps your body to achieve once-normal body iron. And if you take hydrochloride with pepsin with meals, you no longer need to take continuous iron supplementation. In addition, betaine hydrochloride with pepsin also improves the digestion of protein into amino acids, improves the absorption of a long list of other minerals in addition to iron, and improves the absorption of folate and even vitamin C. As you can see, not absorbing iron is usually just the most obvious symptom of a much broader problem. For complete details, see the book Why Stomach Acid Is Good For You by Dr. Lane Lenard, and me. In fact, why not get two copies — one for you and one to give to your doctor. She might like it! Even though it's easy to read, there are over 500 references to medical journal articles. In the minority of individuals with normal stomach acid function but poor iron absorption, simply taking supplemental iron with supplemental vitamin C will significantly improve iron absorption, as will taking supplemental iron with animal protein. Bear in mind we are not addressing anyone's personal situation and you should rely on this for informational purposes only. Please consult with your own doctor before acting on any recommendations contained herein. Wishing you the best of health, Andrew Miller UK Editor Nutrition and Healing P.S. In the latest issue of Nutrition & Healing, Dr. Wright will tell you about the shocking link between osteoarthritis and type 2 diabetes! Plus you'll learn about the one herb you shouldn't go without when undergoing chemotherapy. Plus, Dr. Wright will also provide more information about his new book, which is a 'do-it-yourself' guide to natural medicine and optimal wellness. All new members who sign up will receive important updates like these in addition to receiving Dr. Wright's 7 Volume Library of Natural Healing. Click here for full details. Sources: "Doctors overusing thyroid cancer treatment: study," Reuters (reuters.com) Your customer number is: 000052221104 You are receiving this email because you have given us permission to contact you. Agora Health Limited presents information and research which is believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All material in this email alert is provided for information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. 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