9 Thyroid Killers Could Be Lurking In Your Home
Thyroid cancer is the most rapidly increasing cancer in the United States, tripling in the past three decades. Diagnosis occurs at a younger age than most other adult cancers. Women account for 3 out of 4 cases. Moreover, about 2% of thyroid cancers occur in children and teens. Indeed, the American Cancer Society estimates there to be 56,870 newly diagnosed thyroid cancer cases for the United States in 2017, and there will be about 2010 deaths.
Thyroid Cancer Symptoms
Thyroid cancer can cause any of the following signs or symptoms:
- A lump in the neck, sometimes growing quickly
- Swelling in the neck
- Pain in the front of the neck, sometimes going up to the ears
- Hoarseness or other voice changes that do not go away
- Trouble swallowing
- Trouble breathing
- A constant cough that is not due to a cold
If you have any of these signs or symptoms, call your doctor right away.
Causes
There are four major types of thyroid cancer: papillary, follicular, medullary (MTC), and anaplastic. Risk factors include a family history of goiter, exposure to high levels of radiation, and certain hereditary syndromes.
Especially relevant, scientists found that more than 10 percent of people (30,000) exposed to drinking water contaminated with perfluoroctanoic acid or (PFOA, made by DOW Chemical) reported having a thyroid problem. Comparing blood levels and years of exposure with incidences, the researchers determined that higher PFOA exposure was associated with thyroid problems.
What Is PFOA?
PFOA is part of a group of problematic nonstick chemicals that fall into the perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) class. This family of fluoride-containing chemicals make things stick, are stain-resistant, and consequently will also stick inside our bodies. In addition, PFCs also link to cancer, infertility, birth defects, and weaker immune systems.
These dangerous, cancer causing chemicals are in our homes right now. Check ingredient labels for anything beginning with perfluoro and avoid it! Look for the products in these places: